Pete Edochie, Mama Rainbow, Lere Paimo… actors over 70 still shining in Nollywood

Despite the significant losses the Nigerian movie scene has faced in 2024, with the passing of legendary actors such as Amaechi Muonagor, Mr. Ibu, Baba Agbako at 101, and Olofa Ina, there are still several iconic actors over the age of 70 who continue to make invaluable contributions to Nollywood.

These veteran actors have been the backbone of the industry, laying the foundation for Nollywood’s success. Despite their advanced age, they remain active, dedicated, and committed to their craft, bringing depth, authenticity, and wisdom to their performances.

Without further ado, here are remarkable actors over 70 still shaping the Nigerian movie industry with their talent, experience, and passion.

• Pete Edochie (77)

Born on March 7, 1947, Edochie is a highly respected actor and former broadcaster. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his lead role in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’. Edochie has received numerous awards and recognition, including a Member of the Order of the Niger by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy. He was also honoured with the African Film Legend award at the African Film Festival (TAFF) in 2020.

• Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (83)

At 83, the vibrant Ajai-Lycett remains an unstoppable force on stage and screen. The veteran, who was once a journalist, TV presenter, and cosmetologist, made her acting debut in 1996 in Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Lion and the Jewel’ at the Royal Court Theatre in London. She also appeared in numerous television drama productions in the UK.

Ajai-Lycett has also featured in notable Nigerian films such as ‘Tinsel’, ‘Oloibiri’, ‘King of Boys’, ‘Elesin Oba’, and ‘Dazzling Mirage’. In October 2006, she was honoured with the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and Industry Merit award at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).

With every performance, she weaves a rich tapestry of culture and artistry, proving that age is but a number in the realm of creativity.

• Idowu Phillips (82)

Phillips, the ace actress popularly known as Iya Rainbow, was born in October 1942 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state. She worked as a healthcare assistant in general hospitals across Nigeria for several years and occasionally acted in theatre.

Idowu ventured into full-time acting after the death of her husband Ayanfemi Phillips, who worked closely with the late iconic actor Herbert Ogunde. The filmmaker has starred in several projects including ‘Oga Bolaji’, ‘Sugar Rush’, and ‘Becoming Abi’. She received the Industry Merit award at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

• Adebayo Salami (71)

Adebayo Salami, widely known as Oga Bello, is a seasoned veteran in the Nigerian film industry. His journey began in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, which eventually evolved into the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.

He gained prominence with his role in the film ‘Ajani Ogun’, where he starred alongside the late Adeyemi Afolayan. In 1985, he took a significant step by producing his first project ‘Ogun Ajaye’, and he has continued to produce and appear in numerous films since then, thereby solidifying his legacy in the industry.

• Alex Usifo (71)

Alex Usifo was born on April 16, 1953. He kicked off his acting career in 1984 but gained recognition in 1988 when he starred in Zeb Ejiro’s soap opera ‘Ripples’. He also featured in several stage plays, including ‘Awero’ and Ola Rotimi’s ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ at the National Theatre, Iganmu.

The ace actor is still very active in the Nigerian film scene and has appeared in numerous movies such as ‘Dangerous Sisters’, ‘Classical Fraud’, ‘Enakhe’, and Netflix crime thriller ‘The Black Book’ (2023).

• Kareem Adepoju (79)

At 79, Kareem Adepoju, the veteran actor and producer fondly called Baba Wande, remains a shining figure in the entertainment industry. He began his acting career in 1962 with the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and is known for his iconic roles in classics like ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ (1993) and ‘Ayo Ni Mofe’ (1994). Baba Wande has featured in over 300 films and more recently in Toyin Abraham’s ‘Fate of Alakada’, delivering unforgettable performances on stage and screen.

• Lanre Hassan (74)

Lanre Hassan, the actress better known as Iya Awero, was born in October 1950, in Lagos Island. She began her acting career at the age of 14 with the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and later enrolled at the Lagos School of Dramatic Arts in 1970. The film star earned the alias Iya Awero due to her role in the defunct TV comedy series ‘Comedy Half Hour’.

Iya Awero, who is a fellow of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), has appeared in several movies such as ‘Sade Blade’, ‘The Cock-Tale’, ‘Symphony’, and Kemi Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys’.

• Lere Paimo (85)

Fondly called Eda Onile Ola, veteran filmmaker Lere Paimo is still very active at the age of 85. Paimo’s journey began as a classroom teacher before his passion for theatre led him to the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group in Osogbo in 1958. He later joined the Duro Ladipo Theatre Group, where his role as ‘Eda’ in a Yoruba adaptation of ‘Everyman’ earned him his nickname.

The actor rose to prominence in 1963, following his lead role in an epic Yoruba film titled ‘Ogbori Elemosho’. He has produced, directed and starred in several movies. Paimo is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

• Tunde Kelani (76)

Born on February 26, 1948, Kelani, popularly known as TK, is a Nigerian filmmaker. In a career spanning more than four decades, TK specialises in producing movies that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and have a root in documentation, archiving, education, entertainment and promotion of the culture

Some of his most successful films are literary adaptations such as ‘Koseegbe,’ ‘Oleku,’ ‘Thunderbolt (Magun),’ ‘The White Handkerchief,’ ‘The Narrow Path,’ ‘Maami’ and recently ‘Dazzling Mirage’.