Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry, has been greatly shaped by the immense talent and dedication of Igbo actresses.

These beautiful Nigerian women have not only entertained audiences with their exceptional performances but have also contributed to the industry’s global success. Whether through compelling dramas, thrilling action films, or lighthearted comedies, they have left a lasting impact on Nigerian and international audiences.

Here is a detailed look at 25 prominent Igbo actresses and some of their most notable movies.

1. Patience Ozokwor

Patience Ozokwor, fondly called “Mama G,” is one of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, known for her strong matriarchal roles. She has captivated audiences with her performances in movies like Old School—where she portrays a strict but humorous mother—and Omugwo, which delves into postpartum cultural traditions. Her role in The Wedding Party 2 showcased her impeccable comedic timing, while Chief Daddy further solidified her status as a Nollywood legend.

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2. Ngozi Ezeonu

Ngozi Ezeonu has built a reputation as the go-to actress for royal and motherly roles. She rose to prominence with Nneka The Pretty Serpent, a supernatural thriller, and later shone in Lionheart, a film that brought Nollywood to Netflix audiences worldwide. Other notable works include Gone—where she delivered a moving performance—and Abuja Connection, a gripping crime drama that showcased her versatility.

3. Rita Dominic  

Rita Dominic, an award-winning actress and producer, has mesmerized audiences with her talent. She gained early fame with A Time to Kill and later starred in The Meeting, playing a funny yet determined receptionist. Her performances in La Femme Anjola, a psychological thriller, and The Trade, a crime drama, prove her ability to take on complex roles with ease.

4. Chioma Akpotha  

Chioma Akpotha has been a consistent presence in Nollywood, earning praise for her natural acting style. She starred in The Apple, a romantic drama, and in Omo Ghetto: The Saga, a comedy blockbuster that became one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films. Her performance in Wives on Strike, a socially themed comedy, was widely appreciated, while Swallow—a Netflix film—showcased her ability to tackle deep narratives.

5. Uche Jombo  

Uche Jombo is not only an actress but also a filmmaker with an impressive portfolio. She delivered an intense performance in Visa to Hell and later starred in Lagos Cougars, which explored relationships between older women and younger men. She also featured in Wives on Strike, using humor to highlight societal issues, and Damage, a film addressing domestic violence.

6. Queen Nwokoye  

Queen Nwokoye rose to fame with Chetana, a cultural drama highlighting traditional Igbo values. She has since starred in Strained, a family drama, and Pretty Liars, a suspense-filled movie. Her performance in Excess Luggage—where she portrayed a struggling single mother—demonstrated her emotional depth as an actress.

7. Chika Ike  

Chika Ike is an actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to Nollywood. She gained international recognition with Mirror of Beauty and later starred in Small Chops, a romantic drama in which she portrayed an independent woman with a complicated past.

8. Chinenye Ubah  

Chinenye Ubah made her Nollywood debut in Akweke, a movie that introduced her as a promising talent. She has since appeared in several hit movies and is known for her ability to embody diverse roles with ease.

9. Rachael Okonkwo  

Rachael Okonkwo became a household name after starring in Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, a comedic drama that showcased her knack for mixing humor with emotion. The film’s popularity even earned her the nickname “Nkoli,” and she has since proven her versatility in various Nollywood productions.

10. Luchy Donalds  

Luchy Donalds made her debut in The Investigator and quickly became known for her roles in both epic and contemporary films. Her performances have established her as an actress capable of effortlessly delivering emotional depth on screen.

11. Elma Mbadiwe  

Elma Mbadiwe gained recognition for her role in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, a remake of the classic Nollywood film. She further established herself as a rising star by featuring in Netflix’s Far From Home, which showcased her compelling screen presence.

12. Ruby Okezie

Ruby Okezie is known for her dynamic performances in Far From Home, where she portrayed a rebellious young woman, and in Fatal Obsession, a thriller that highlighted her dramatic abilities. She also featured in Merry Men 2, an action-packed film that solidified her reputation.

13. Uzoamaka Aniunoh 

Uzoamaka Aniunoh has carved a niche for herself with standout roles in MTV Shuga—a series that explores youth and social issues—and Venge, where she portrayed a determined woman seeking justice. Her work on these projects underscores her talent and dedication.

14. Clarion Chukwura

Clarion Chukwura is a veteran actress renowned for her roles in Money Power, a classic Nollywood film, and Abuja Connection, where she played a powerful, dangerous character. Her performance in Hustler further demonstrated her ability to take on a wide range of characters.

15. Eucharia Anunobi  

Eucharia Anunobi is famous for her roles in Glamour Girls, a film that explored themes of wealth and power, and Abuja Connection, which cemented her status as one of Nollywood’s leading actresses. She also delivered a memorable performance in Nneka The Pretty Serpent, a supernatural thriller.

16. Oge Okoye  

Oge Okoye rose to fame with Spanner, a romantic comedy, and later starred in BlackBerry Babes—a satirical take on social media culture. Her roles in Blood Sister and Marry Me further showcased her versatility across different film genres.

17. Genevieve Nnaji  

Genevieve Nnaji is one of Nollywood’s biggest stars. She gained international acclaim with Lionheart, a film she both directed and starred in, and also impressed audiences with the 2015 Road to Yesterday, a drama centered on marital struggles, and Half of a Yellow Sun, adapted from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel.

18. Chioma Nwoha  

Chioma Nwoha started her career performing on stage before transitioning into Nollywood films. She has appeared in various productions, including the notable film My Wife Or My Hot Virgin Maid, which showcased her adaptability and dedication to her craft.

19. Chioma Chijioke Anosike  

Chioma Chijioke Anosike is known for her impressive roles in Feast of War and Water Girl. These films highlight her wide acting range and her ability to seamlessly transition between epic narratives and modern storytelling.

20. Chioma Okafor

Chioma Okafor, hailing from Anambra State, has excelled in stage plays like Nollywood Scoundrel and successfully transitioned into mainstream Nollywood films. Her work exemplifies the fusion of traditional performance skills with modern cinematic storytelling.

21. Somkele Iyamah  

Somkele Iyamah is a dynamic, rising Igbo actress and model who has quickly captured the attention of Nollywood audiences. She garnered widespread acclaim with her performance in Isoken, where she portrayed a modern woman balancing traditional expectations with contemporary ambitions. Her role in The Millions further showcased her versatility, making her one of the promising new talents in the industry.

22. Chinenye Uyanna  

Chinenye Uyanna is both an actress and a producer, celebrated for her captivating performances and entrepreneurial spirit. She has featured in several projects, including Celebrity Marriage, which highlights her dynamic range and commitment to bringing authentic stories to life.

23. Merenma Umeh  

Merenma Umeh is an actress and screenwriter who has made significant contributions to Nollywood through her creative storytelling. She has also appeared in films like Echoes of Destiny, which, though less widely known, underscore her emerging talent and dedication to her craft.

24. Chizzy Alichi  

Chizzy Alichi is known for her roles in epic Nollywood films, particularly those that highlight Igbo culture and traditions like Idemili. She garnered attention with her performance in Igbo Spirit, a film that celebrates cultural heritage and the strength of traditional values.

25. Uju Okoli

Uju Okoli has gained recognition for her beauty and talent in Nollywood. She has appeared in several successful movies, including Heart of Gold, which further established her as a leading actress celebrated for her on-screen presence and versatility.