Nollywood has grown into one of the most powerful film industries in the world, producing stars whose influence stretches across Africa and beyond. In this article, I’m giving you a richly detailed and constantly updated list of both old and new Nollywood actresses. This is not just a random list — it’s a well-structured breakdown of the women who shaped Nollywood from the beginning and the new generation carrying the torch with talent, creativity, and global appeal.

The Complete List of Old and New Nollywood Actresses

This section breaks down the full list of Nollywood actresses according to generations, contributions, popularity, and screen relevance. Consider it a living guide to every major female name in Nigeria’s movie industry.

Old Nollywood Actresses (The Golden Generation)

These are the women who shaped what Nollywood is today. Their movies defined several eras, built global audiences, and opened doors for the younger generation.

Patience Ozokwo (Mama G)

Patience Ozokwo remains one of the most iconic figures in Nigerian film. Known for her intense roles, especially as the wicked mother-in-law, her career spans decades and includes unforgettable classics.

Genevieve Nnaji

A global icon, Genevieve remains one of the faces of Nollywood’s international rise. Her work as an actress, producer, and director still influences the entire industry today. She is one of the actresses who bridge Old and New Nollywood seamlessly.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

Omotola, popularly called Omosexy, was among the first Nollywood actresses to gain international recognition. With hundreds of films to her name, she remains a powerhouse figure.

Joke Silva

A veteran, theatre-trained, and one of the most respected women in the industry. Joke Silva’s acting is rich, controlled, and timeless.

Liz Benson

One of the most respected pioneers. Liz Benson starred in classics that defined the 90s, leaving a legacy no one can erase.

Hilda Dokubo

A strong dramatic actress who built her name in emotional roles. Her performances remain reference points for acting students.

Shan George

Known for her uniqueness and versatility, Shan George built a career full of memorable roles and strong storytelling contributions.

Rita Dominic

Rita stands as one of Nollywood’s most respected performers. Her calm style and emotional precision make her unforgettable.

Stephanie Linus

Aside from acting, Stephanie’s work as a filmmaker added depth to her reputation. She is a leading voice in women-centered films.

Clarion Chukwura

A veteran actress with decades of experience and countless classics, Clarion helped build the foundation for Nollywood’s storytelling style.

Ini Edo

Another actress who perfectly bridges old and new Nollywood. Ini Edo has appeared in over 200 movies and remains highly influential.

Uche Jombo

A screenwriter, producer, and actress who played a major role in shaping modern Nollywood’s production style.

Kate Henshaw

One of the most energetic and consistent actresses. Her fitness lifestyle has also made her an inspiration to younger stars.

Mercy Johnson

Mercy’s acting is raw, natural, and deeply emotional. She is one of the most beloved Nollywood stars ever.

Chioma Chukwuka

Chioma has mastered the “good girl” role and built a loyal fanbase with her calm and controlled performances.

Ngozi Ezeonu

Known for her queenly roles and motherly presence, Ngozi is a major force in Igbo-themed Nollywood films.

Eucharia Anunobi

A legend of villain and dramatic roles, Eucharia’s deep voice and bold acting style gave Nollywood a unique flavor.

Regina Askia

Though she left Nollywood early, Regina Askia remains one of the most beautiful and talented actresses from the 90s era.

New Nollywood Actresses (The Fresh Generation)

This generation represents the digital era — actresses who grew into fame through cinema, social media, streaming platforms, and high-budget productions. They represent the rebirth of Nollywood.

Adesua Etomi Wellington

One of the strongest talents in the new era. Adesua blends emotional roles with modern acting styles and has earned international recognition.

Nancy Isime

Actress, TV host, and one of the most influential women in today’s Nollywood. Nancy Isime dominates both film and television.

Bimbo Ademoye

Known for her comic timing and versatility, Bimbo is one of the breakout stars of recent years, with strong YouTube and cinema presence.

Sharon Ooja

A rising superstar. Sharon’s roles in romantic films and Netflix projects have pushed her into continental recognition.

Sophia Alakija

Beautiful, talented, and rapidly rising, Sophia has become a familiar face in romance and lifestyle-centered Nollywood films.

Osas Ighodaro

An award-winning actress deeply involved in cinema films and high-profile drama series.

Rahama Sadau

One of the biggest names in Kannywood and Nollywood crossover films. Her versatility earned her recognition across Nigeria.

Destiny Etiko

Known for her curvy shape and strong acting presence, Destiny is one of the most talked-about actresses today.
She also appears in our cluster about curvy actresses:
Most Curvy Nigerian Actress.

Lilian Afegbai

A model, actress, and producer whose work continues to gain acceptance in mainstream Nollywood films.

Ini Dima-Okojie

Known for her elegance and emotional performances, especially in Netflix projects.

Toni Tones

A photographer turned actress, Toni Tones has built a reputation for intense and expressive acting.

Bukky Wright (Bridging Both Generations)

Though she started in Old Nollywood, Bukky remains active today and appeals to both old and young audiences.

Regina Daniels

One of the youngest actresses to rise to fame. Regina built her name in teen roles and now appears in bigger Nollywood projects.

Chinenye Nnebe

A fast-rising actress known for emotional roles. She’s one of the most consistently watched faces in Nigerian films.

Chacha Eke

Known for her ability to cry convincingly on screen, Chacha built a strong fanbase through emotional drama films.

Full List Extension – Regional Influence

Nollywood is not one industry — it’s a collection of regions and languages. The actresses listed below contribute to both mainstream and regional productions.

Yoruba Nollywood Actresses

• Toyin Abraham
• Funke Akindele
• Fathia Balogun
• Iyabo Ojo
• Ronke Odusanya
• Odunlade Adekola (female-focused productions he leads include strong actress casts)
• Mide Martins
• Laide Bakare
• Yinka Quadri’s female collaborators

Kannywood Actresses

• Rahama Sadau
• Fati Washa
• Hadiza Gabon
• Nafisa Abdullahi
• Maryam Booth

Influence of New Media on Modern Nollywood Actresses

The new generation thrives on streaming platforms, YouTube films, Instagram visibility, and cinema projects. Unlike the early 90s and 2000s, actresses today build their fanbase globally from their phones. This digital evolution plays a major role in how fast new actresses rise.

Actresses Who Are Internet Favorites

These actresses receive the most online engagement, making them major forces in digital Nollywood.

• Bimbo Ademoye
• Nancy Isime
• Sharon Ooja
• Destiny Etiko
• Osas Ighodaro
• Regina Daniels
• Chinenye Nnebe
• Chioma Nwaoha
• Sonia Uche

Actresses Known for Comedy

• Funke Akindele
• Bimbo Ademoye
• Chioma Omeruah (Chigul)
• Toyin Abraham
• Real Warri Pikin (in cameo roles)

Actresses Known for Epic Movies

• Queen Nwokoye
• Ngozi Ezeonu
• Chacha Eke
• Destiny Etiko
• Eve Esin
• Yul Edochie’s female co-stars in traditional roles

Young and Rising Nollywood Actresses

• Angel Unigwe
• Pearl Shim
• Adaeze Onuigbo
• Emmanuella Iloba
• Princess Salt
• Ozioma Okere

These actresses represent the future, and in a few years, many will become household names.

Cross-Industry Nollywood Actresses

These are actresses who work across both English Nollywood and Yoruba Nollywood, Kannywood, or pan-African productions.

• Funke Akindele
• Osas Ighodaro
• Rahama Sadau
• Mercy Johnson
• Rita Dominic
• Bimbo Ademoye

Special Category Interlinks Within This Cluster

As part of this Nollywood actresses cluster, here are relevant interlinks:

• Who Is the Smallest Actress in Nigeria?
• Which Nigerian Actresses Are Identical Twins?
• Who Is the Most Curvy Nigerian Actress?

The Importance of Nollywood Actresses in Africa’s Creative Growth

Nollywood actresses play a huge role in shaping the culture, conversations, and creativity of the African entertainment scene. They have helped establish a multi-billion-naira film industry that competes with global industries in production volume and viewership.

Final Thoughts

This full list of Nollywood actresses — old, new, rising, and regional — gives you a complete picture of the women redefining and reshaping Nigerian film. As the industry evolves through streaming and global collaborations, this list will continue expanding, because Nollywood keeps producing fresh talent every year.

If you’re following this cluster, make sure you also read the related articles linked above to understand the deeper angles of Nollywood actress discussions.