Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Kemi Afolabi, Yul Edochie, other top Nollywood actors of 2022

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

Many Nollywood actors made the headlines in the first six months of 2022. Some for reasons related to acting and others for something else.

Death rumours, health challenges, celebrations, break-up and marriage scandals were some of the issues that dominated the industry.

A list released by Google on Thursday, July 21, shows that two males and four females make the top 6 Nollywood actors in the first quarter of 2022.

1 Olu Jacobs

Nigerian celebrities from different generations were all over social media on July 11 to celebrate Nollywood legend, Olu Jacobs, on his 80th birthday.

Olu Jacobs was a victim of constant death rumours on social media because of his age and health challenges.

His wife, Joke Silva in an interview with Chude Jideonwo confirmed the actor was suffering from dementia.

The revelation came days after Olu Jacobs was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2021.

2 Kemi Afolabi

Kemi Afolabi made headlines in March after a shocking revelation. The 44-year-old disclosed she is battling lupus and her doctor said she has only five years to live.

According to the actress, the doctor advised her to spend time with her loved ones.

Fellow celebrities and fans showed concern for the actress and a fundraiser was launched for donations.

Kemi is currently recieving treatment at a hospital in US.

3 Yul Edochie

Yul Edochie left many speechless and others pissed after announcing his marriage to his colleague Judy Austin.

The movie star revealed Judy as his second wife 17 years after his marriage to his first wife May Edochie. Yul gave another shocker when he revealed he already has a son with Judy.

The 40-year-old received backlash from celebrities like Chizzy Alichi, Joyce Kalu, Georgina Onuoha and some of his family members.

The seemingly unbothered actor justified his marriage to Judy, saying he is allowed to marry more than one wife as an Igbo man.

4Judy Austin

The name Judy Austin started trending in March after her husband and fellow actor Yul Edochie announced her as his second wife.

Judy, who has a son with Yul, also confirmed the marriage on Instagram. Like her husband, Judy came under fire as many accused her of being a home wrecker. Fans trooped into the comment sections of her Instagram posts to rain curses on her as they declared their loyalty and support for Yul Edochie’s first wife May.

5 Joke Silva

Joke Silva stole the hearts of thousands of Nigerians over her display of affection for her husband Olu Jacobs after revealing his health challenges.

The 60-year-old organised a birthday party for Olu Jacob to celebrate age 80. Several colleagues and fans have cited her as an example of what a dutiful wife is.

6 Ini Dima Okojie

Ini Dima Okojie received heavy praise for her performance in the movie Blood Sisters which made the top movie list of 2022.

The success of the film made her popular as fans started creating memes with her photos. Ini Dima also made headlines when she tied the knot with her husband Abasi Ene-Obong.