He remains a Nollywood icon; after returning to Nigeria, he became a foundational pillar of modern Nollywood, widely known for playing regal and fatherly roles.
He won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in 2007 and received an AMVCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he shared a long-enduring marriage and career partnership in the Nigerian film industry.
