Versatility and talent are among the list of things that Nollywood actresses possess in them. The Nollywood industry would not be where it is today without the help of its leading ladies who know how to deliver characters and their roles. These Nollywood actresses and the movies that made them famous will forever go down in history as the beginning of their successful journeys in the Nigerian film industry.
From Destiny Etiko to Carolyn Danjuma, these actresses have starred in epic movies, modern movies, action, comedy, romance, you name it. This is why fans are curious to find out which movie made them famous. So without much to it, here are 100 Nollywood actresses and the movies that made them famous.
1. Destiny Etiko
Destiny Etiko is a Nigerian actress and filmmaker best known for portraying Ekemma in the movie Idemili, ever since her role in that movie, it is safe to say that Etiko has carved her way to success in the Nigerian film industry.
2. Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is a talented Nollywood actress who leaves us all hooked with each role she plays. The actress became known in 2014 when she played a role in the short film Where Talent Lies. The trajectory of her career went up from there, landing her other gigs with Nollywood stars such as Stella Damasus, and she’s also won numerous awards.
3. Uche Nancy
Uche Nancy is a renowned actress in Nollywood who went from being a costume designer to an actress, and also a filmmaker. The Nollywood actress is known for movies such as Proof Of Life.
4. Nancy Isime
Nancy Isime’s journey into the film industry is nothing short of inspiring. The actress started as a model and pageant queen, till she was noticed in 2011 and given a role in a show called Echoes, from that moment on, everything changed.
5. Omotola Jalade
Omotola Jalade began her acting career in 1995 when she booked her first role in the film Venom of Justice, directed by Reginald Ebere. The actress earned her big break a year later with a role in the movie Mortal Inheritance.
6. Chizzy Alichi
Chigozie Stephanie Alichi, popularly known as Chizzy Alichi, is a Nigerian film actress, model, and entrepreneur. The actress became famous in her career with the movie Akaraoku, which means hot akara. The movie premiered in 2016 and was directed by Yul Edochie.
7. Uju Okoli
Uji Okoli is a beloved Nollywood actress who has made her mark through several movies. The movie, No More War was her first major appearance, and it skyrocketed her into Nollywood fame.
8. Chika Ike
Chika Ike is a Nollywood actress with the acting range and business savvy it takes to make it big, and she did just that. She got her first major role in 2005, in a movie titled Bless The Child and she went on to land major roles in over a hundred movies ever since then.
9. Ini Edo
Ini Edo is one of the most popular Nollywood actresses, and her rise to fame is nothing short of cosmic. According to Nollywood actor Tchidi Chikere, Genevieve Nnaji was initially cast in The World Apart, but due to late returns there was a need for a recast, Ini Edo was new in the business but also the perfect choice, and The World Apart movie catapulted her to fame.
10. Chinenye Ubah
Chinenye Ubah is another Nollywood actress who first hit the screens in 2016 when she appeared in the movie Akweke as Princess Ebube. Ever since, she’s been in several movies and gotten her claim to fame.
11. Rachael Okonkwo
Rachael Okonkwo is a Nigerian actress and dancer who began her career as a child and rose to fame with her role in Nkoli Nwa Nsukka in 2014.
12. Mercy Johnson
Mercy Johnson is a beloved Nigerian actress who rose to fame after winning awards for her roles in movies such as Live to Remember and Dumebi the Dirty Girl. These movies made her a fan favorite among Nollywood lovers, and she’s been a fan favorite ever since.
13. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh is a Nollywood actress whose rise to fame began when she won the TV talent show The Next Movie Star in 2005. After that, she featured in movies such as Dirty Secret, which was controversial but also a tipping point in her successful career.
14. Luchy Donalds
Luchy Donalds is a talented actress who became famous in Nollywood with her very first movie. The actress became famous in 2015 after starring in her debut movie, The Investigator.
15. Anita Joseph
Anita Joseph is a Nollywood star and overall entertainer who rose to fame in the 2006 film Tears In My Eyes, the actress has stolen the hearts of fans with her immense talent and acting range.
16. Judy Austin
Judy Austin is a popular Nollywood actress whose acting career speaks for itself through her success in the industry. The actress became famous after her appearance in the movie Dancer.
17. Angel Unigwe
Angel Unigwe is a young actress who has already made her mark in the industry. According to sources, the actress is noted to have become famous after her debut role in a popular Nigeria series called Allison’s Stand.
18. Ebele Okaro
Ebele Okaro is a legendary Nollywood actress known as the mama of Nollywood, the actress had a role in a soap opera called Moving Fingers, but her fame in Nollywood came with movies such as 30 Days.
19. Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic is a legendary and talented Nollywood actress who became famous right from her first movie appearance in the movie A Time To Kill. This movie and her role in it was well received and her acting career became successful from there on.
20. Annabel Apara
Annabel Apara is another young Nigerian actress who acquired fame at a young age. The actress achieved this feat with her debut role in Along Came Love which is a popular show on Youtube.
21. Uche Jumbo
Uche Jombo is one of the most revered Nollywood actresses, the actress ventured into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999 with the movie titled Visa to Hell, this could be regarded as her rise to fame since she’s been in over 200 movies ever since.
22. Rosy Meurer
Rosaline Meurer is a talented actress who has starred in various notable shows and movies in Nollywood over the years. The actress started her journey with a minor role in the film Spellbound and the 2011 film In the Cupboard. These movies are noted as notable movies that made her famous.
23. Pearl Shim
Pearl Shim Mugala is a child actress who has done well in her time in the industry, and it’s just the beginning. The actress became popular for her role in the Nollywood movie Little Daniella, and she’s been a famous and beloved actress since that movie.
24. Jackie Appaiah
Jackie Appaiah is a Ghanaian actress who has made an impact in the Nollywood scene too, she’s popular for movies such as Princess Tyra, Black Soul, and so on.
25. Dakore Akande
Dakore Egbuson-Akande is a popular and talented Nollywood actress known for several roles including Isoken. The actress rose to fame after playing Camilla in the 2002 film Emotional Crack.
26. Ruth Kadiri
Ruth Kadiri is a talented actress and filmmaker who has made a huge impact in the industry. The actress made her debut role in the movie Boy’s Cot, and she became famous after this movie and a string of other movies.
27. Sharon Ifedi
Sharon Ifedi is a young actress and TV personality whose debut role was in Child Misfortune; this movie role earned her the popularity she needed to make it big in the acting industry.
28. Eniola Badmus
Eniola Badmus gained fame after starring in the movie Accidental Affair and other titles such as Jenifa and Omo Ghetto shot her further into popularity in the year 2008.
29. Regina Daniels
Regina Daniels is a Nigerian actress and filmmaker known for her brilliant roles in movies, she is best known for her roles in movies like Dumebi In School, Miracle Child, and her early movie roles.
30. Chacha Eke
Nollywood actress Chacha Eke is a Nollywood actress and powerhouse who has made her mark in the industry. Chacha Eke Faani became famous after starring in the 2012 Nigerian drama film The End is Near.
31. Toyin Abraham
Nollywood filmmaker Toyin Abraham is also a superstar actress, she began her career in 2003, landing her first role in the Nollywood film Dugbe Dugbe Nbo, and she has starred in various roles since.
32. Adaeze Onuigbo
Adaeze Onuigbo is a child actress who has quite an impressive acting range which was witnessed in her role in the movie Emotional Baby, she became famous after this role and has amassed a large following of fans.
33. Yvonne Jegede
Yvonne Jegede is a famous actress who started her movie career in 2004 when she featured in the Nollywood movie Missing Angels. Her first major claim to fame was in 2005 with her appearance in the popular music video African Queen by 2Face Idibia.
34. Ngozi Ezeonu
Ngozi Ezeonu is a renowned and spectacular talent in Nollywood, she became famous for her roles in Nollywood films like Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Glamour Girls.
35. Sonia Uche
Sonia Uche is a popular actress known for her roles in Nollywood, she earned her claim to fame with her role in Frank’s Wife. Her acting talent and skills have pushed her far in the industry, and she’s starred in several Nollywood movies.
36. Rita Edochie
Rita Edochie is a veteran actress who has been acting in Nollywood since the 1990s. This talented Nollywood actress is known for playing mothers, and she became famous through movies like Chain Reaction and other notable movies.
37. Angela Okorie
Angela Okorie is a successful Nigerian actress, model, and singer, the actress rose to fame in 2009, after starring in the Nollywood blockbuster movie Holy Serpent. After this movie, she went on to have a successful career in the industry.
38. Uche Montana
Uche Montana is a fan-favorite actress and filmmaker in Nollywood. The actress became famous with her debut role in 2015, with the movie Poison Ivy.
39. Chioma Chukwuka
Chioma Chukwuka has been a star ever since her debut in Nollywood in the year 2000. However, the actress made her mark and achieved fame with hit movie titles such as On My Wedding Day.
40. Nuella Njubuigbo
Nuella Njubigbo is a versatile actress and writer in Nollywood. Her role in Royal Destiny gave her the fame she needed in the industry, after this role, she was booked, busy, and starring in about five movies per month. This is according to a statement she gave The Premium Times in 2013 regarding a rumor that was spreading about her at the time.
41. Obio Oluebube
Obio Oluebube is an actress, comedian, and social media personality. The actress gained popularity after a viral moment in a skit, but her acting roles also boosted her into fame with roles in movies like Ezenwayi.
42. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a force in the Nollywood industry, ever since she began till this very day, she has garnered success. The actress got her big break in 2008 when she appeared in the movie Jenifa.
43. Ekene Umenwa
Ekene Umenwa is known for her exceptional performances in Nollywood films. The actress played the lead role in the 2013 movie titled Black Choir which made her famous in the Nollywood industry.
44. Osas Ighodaro
Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro started her career years ago, her career in Nollywood began about 12 years ago when she returned to Nigeria. Some of her notable roles include appearances in movies such as Gbomo Gbomo Express, and her role on the hit TV show Tinsel.
45. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is a legendary actress who started her career as a child on a soap opera called Ripples. The actress became famous in 1998 when she was cast in the movie Most Wanted, which was the beginning of her epic career.
46. Chinenye Nnebe
Chinenye Nnebe is a Nollywood actress who started acting at such a young age. This Nollywood actress became famous for her role and outstanding performance in the Nollywood movie Dry
47. Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw is a major Nollywood actress whose breakout role came in 1993 when she starred in the movie When the Sun Sets, this was the beginning of her successful acting career and she went on to star in various movies and TV shows.
48. Ada Kirikiri
Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo popularly referred to as Ada Kirikiri was involved in several projects and then hit it big with a series with Nollywood Comedian Anokwute Longinus popularly known as Chief Imo, where she starred as his daughter ‘Adakirikiri’. This is where she got her name and her big break.
49. Sharon Ooja
Sharon Ooja is Nollywood’s sweetheart as she plays the sweetest roles, the actress came into the limelight after she played the role of “Shalewa” in the web series Skinny Girl in Transit.
50. Peggy Ovire
Peggy Ovire is a popular Nollywood actress who became known and famous with several roles, most notably with the Nigerian television series Husbands of Lagos.
51. Sunshine Rosman
Sunshine Rosman is an actress and media personality; she is most known for her role as Amara in the popular family comedy series Lunch Time Heroes.
52. Ebube Nwagbo
Ebube Nwagbo is a Nollywood actress with a devoted fan base, the actress became famous in 2003 with movie roles such as Arrested by Love.
53. Blessing Obasi
Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze is a talented actress who rose to prominence for playing the character Deborah in Niyi Akinmolayan’s film titled Prophetess.
54. Sola Sobowole
Sola Sobowole is a veteran actress who is famous for movie roles such as The King Of Boys movies. The actress became famous in 2001 for her role in the Nigerian TV series Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter.
55. Adesua Etomi
Adesua Etomi is a Nollywood actress who is super talented and gracious. The actress became famous with her debut film role as Debbie in the 2014 movie Knocking On Heaven’s Door. This was the beginning of her stardom, and she’s starred in many more hit films since.
56. Queen Nwokoye
Queen Nwokoye has had a long and successful career in the Nollywood industry. She began her successful career with a movie called Nna Men, which paved the way to more fame and success.
57. Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli has been making moves in the Nollywood industry since her first role in the industry. The actress is noted to have made her first big mark in Nollywood in 1996 with a role in the film Bitter Encounter.
58. Rita Daniels
Rita Daniels is a dedicated actress who consistently pulls off her acting gigs. The Nollywood actress earned her fame through various movie roles which include Jealous Princess.
59. Patience Ozokwor
Patience Ozokwor is a renowned and legendary actress known for her epic roles. The Nollywood actress became famous for her role in the 1999 movie Authority, which was the start of her epic acting career.
60. Queeneth Hilbert
Queeneth Hilbert has acted in movies such as Hand of Fate and Sins of the Past, these movies are projects she’s most known for, and her career is known to be on a great path to success thanks to roles like these.
61. Nse Ikpe-Etim
Nse Ikpe-Etim is known as a super-talented actress with an outstanding career. The actress rose to fame in 2008 for her role in the film Reloaded. She has won several awards and nominations for her acting ever since her start in the industry.
62. Monalisa Chinda
Monalisa Chinda is a classic Nollywood actress who has made her mark in the industry, she became famous in the 2000s for her roles in the TV soap Heaven’s Gate and the movie Above the Law.
63. Lizzy Gold
Lizzy Gold is a Nollywood star who ventured into acting in 2012 after attending Emem Isong’s Royal Arts Academy. She has since become popular in Nollywood, with some of her most famous roles including movies like Agaracha the Lioness.
64. Iyabo Ojo
Iyabo Ojo is a Nollywood actress who has packed up a whole list of movies under her name, this actress became famous after she was cast in several prominent Yoruba films, the first one being Baba Darijinwon.
65. Nkiru Sylvanus
Nkiri Sylvanus is famous for her movie roles in the Nigerian film industry, she had her breakout role in 2002 with the film A Cry for Help, where she played the character Blessing, earning her the nickname Ble-Ble.
66. Joke Silva
Joke Silva, a renowned actress, has been in the acting game for decades. The talented actress had her breakout role in the 1990s with the movie Mind Bending, she showcased her immense acting range and has been famous ever since.
67. Onyi Alex
Onyi Alex is a famous Nigerian actress who has been acting for a while now, she is best recognized for portraying Rita in Honeymoon Blues.
68. Adunni Ade
Adunni Ade is an award-winning Nigerian actress, writer, model, and producer, who has been in over 200 English and Yoruba Nollywood movies. She had her start in the industry with the Yoruba language movie You or I and has been famous ever since.
69. Kenechukwu Ezeh
Popularly known as Posh, Kenechukwu Eze is a Nollywood actress who achieved her rise to fame in the industry after her brilliant portrayal of Ezinne in the popular TV series Eve.
70. Fathia Balogun
Fathia Williams Balogun, a Nigerian actress and film producer, is known for her amazing performances in Yoruba Nollywood movies. The actress is known for starring in big films such as Farayola, and she has starred in several films that have put her on the map.
71. Halima Abubakar
Halima Abubakar has been a Nollywood actress for years now. The Nollywood actress gained prominence with her lead role in Gangster Paradise and has been a famous actress ever since then.
72. Joyce Kalu
Award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and all-around influential personality, Joyce Kalu started her acting career in 2005. The actress became famous after her role in a Nollywood movie titled Take Me Home.
73. Mercy Aigbe
Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe is forever a beloved Nollywood actress. She truly gained recognition and fame in 2006 after starring in the film Ara and delivering an outstanding performance that resonated with the audience.
74. Ufuoma McDermott
Ufuoma McDermott is renowned in the industry for her talent and remarkable career. She is widely recognized for her work in movies such as Life and Death, which shot her up to fame.
75. Stella Damasus
Stella Damasus is a renowned Nollywood actress with roles in several movies over the years. The actress became famous for the roles she played in Nigerian films, including Breaking Point.
76. Sophie Alakija
Sophie Alakija is another famous actress who has been featured in a big music video. Before achieving fame as an actress, Sophie Alakija was featured in Wizkid’s Holla at Your Boy music video. When it comes to her acting career, she has acted in several films that have made her famous, including Drawing Strands.
77. Lilian Esoro
Lilian Esoro is a stunning Nollywood actress known for movies such as Meet The In-Laws, the actress became more famous when she featured in the television series Clinic Matters playing Nurse Abigail.
78. Ireti Doyle
Ireti Doyle is a talented actress, writer, producer, and presenter who is best known for some of the best Nollywood movies, such as Sitanda. The actress is known for her ability to take on roles and deliver them brilliantly.
79. Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima Okojie is a Nollywood actress who started a career in banking before transitioning. The actress became famous with her acting debut role in the 2014 TV series, Taste of Love.
80. Belinda Effah
Belinda Uyu Effah has had a very successful acting career over the years. She came into the limelight after her appearance in the 2005 TV series, Shallow Waters.
81. Georgina Onuoha
Nollywood actress, Georgina Onuoha started off her career in acting in the 1990s, she was a child actor and has always been great at what she does. The actress became famous for her role in Living In Bondage.
82. Jane Obi
Jane Obi is yet another popular actress who is known for her ability to play characters in a way that is charming and memorable. The actress became famous for her role in a film called Bachelor’s Heart, which she starred in alongside notable actors like Kenneth Okonkwo.
83. Maureen Okpoko
Maureen Okpoko is an unforgettable actress in Nollywood known for her talent and ability to bring characters to life. She became famous after Nollywood movies such as The Golden Egg, among others.
84. Jemima Osunde
Jemima Osunde is an actress who rose to fame with her role as Leila in MTV’s Shuga. The actress is also noted to have become popular for her role in My Wife and I. One movie that also seems to stand out in her journey to fame is Lionheart which she starred in alongside Genevieve Nnaji.
85. Juliana Olayode
Juliana Olayode has been in the limelight with various acting roles but her rise to fame follows her role as Toyosi or Toyo Baby, who was Jenifa’s best friend in the popular comedy series Jenifa’s Diary.
86. Lota Chukwu
Lota Chukwu is another Jenifa’s Diary alum. While the actress began her career in 2011, it was her role as Kiki in Jenifa’s Diary that shot her up to fame, and ever since, she’s starred in several films and series.
87. Ayo Adesanya
Veteran actress Ayo Adesanya has quite several acting credits to her name. Her succession to fame began after she made an appearance in the film Living In Bondage.
88. Clarion Chukwura
Clarion Chukwura is a veteran actress who has been in the industry for decades. Chukwura began her career in acting in 1980 but became famous when she was featured in the soap opera Mirror in the Sun.
89. Ngozi Nwosu
Ngozi Nwosu is a veteran actress with an unforgettable history in Nollywood. She is said to have been the first actress to kiss on set, with the film Living In Bondage, which is also one of the first films that made her famous.
90. Shan George
Shan George is an unforgettable actress thanks to so many of her roles on the big screen, but it is her role in the blockbuster film Outkast that set her up for fame and awards in the industry.
91. Linda Osifo
Talented Nollywood actress Linda Osifo rose to fame for her role as Rhetta on the TV series Desperate Housewives Africa, and she’s been on a great journey in Nollywood ever since then.
92. Wunmi Toriola
Wunmi Toriola is one of the most well-known and most successful actresses. She had her debut role in 2009 with a movie called Isese Lagba. Her journey since then has been good and successful, with its negatives, but a success nonetheless.
93. Uche Ogbodo
Uche Ogbodo is an entertainment extraordinaire, she rose to fame in 2006 with her role in Another Bondage, and ever since, she’s starred excellently in several other movies.
94. Juliet Ibrahim
Juliet Ibrahim is a well-known Nollywood actress, but her roots are Ghanaian-Liberian. This actress rose to fame in 2005, after starring in the Ghanaian blockbuster movie Crime to Christ
95. Caroline Danjuma
Carolyna Hutchings is a Nollywood actress who started with a role in the movie Deadly Care. She later went on to act in the popular film Deadly Kiss and became famous in the industry afterward.
96. Elma Mbadiwe
Elma Mbadiwe is one of the most unforgettable faces and talents in Nollywood thanks to her immense talent. The actress is most known for her famous role as Tallulah in the movie titled Unbroken.
97. Linda Ejiofor
Nigerian actress, Linda Ejiofor has been outstanding in all her roles in Nollywood. The actress became famous for her role in the romantic comedy film The Meeting. Ever since, she’s been in several movies and attained success.
98. Doris Ifeka
Doris Efeka is an actress and TV personality who has been in the industry since she was a child. The actress is noted to have gained fame for her role as Boma in the TV series Tales of Love.
99. Moyo Lawal
Moyo Lawal is an impressive actress with a great deal of talent. She got her big break by appearing in roles in projects such as the award-winning TV series Tinsel.
100. Nkechi Blessing
Popular Nigerian actor and film producer, Nkechi Blessing became famous and gained recognition after she featured in Kafila Omo Ibadan. The actress joined the industry in 2008 and has had a successful career ever since.
