Nollywood actor, Patrick Okoye, is dead

Nollywood has lost a veteran actor and educator with the death of Patrick Okoye, who passed away at the age of 41. His passing was announced on Thursday, with tributes pouring in from colleagues who remembered his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

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This one hits hard because we spoke barely 24 hours before your demise, and you were hale and hearty! Getting a call from your number 24 hours after this devastation was the least expected. I don’t know where to begin.

Colleague Ken Erics shared a heartfelt message, expressing shock and grief. "This one hits hard because we spoke barely 24 hours before your demise, and you were hale and hearty!" Erics wrote, highlighting Okoye's role as a mentor and motivator. He recalled how Okoye encouraged his talent and helped him pursue his dreams by ensuring his enrollment in Theatre Arts. Okoye was instrumental in nurturing raw talent, with many now successful actors crediting him for their start.

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Indeed, the creative world has lost a gem! This man right here encouraged my talent and helped me pursue my dreams by making sure I enrolled in Theatre Arts. He, alongside other great minds, was my acting and dance teacher in my university days as a Theatre Arts student at UNIZIK.

Beyond his acting career, Okoye was a respected academic and artist. He served as a professor and lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. He was also a singer and choreographer, known for his energetic performances and musical contributions to film productions.

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This man nurtured raw talents and made stars, many of whom are doing well in the entertainment space. I remember, as a student, joining him in his car to attend movie auditions outside school sessions. His encouragement and guidance were palpable.

Okoye's versatility was evident in his roles, often portraying elders, traditional rulers, and authoritative figures. He starred alongside prominent actors such as Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Rita Arum, and Yul Edochie. His death is considered a heavy blow to the creative world, leaving a void in the industry he so passionately served.

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A very energetic and skilled dancer! An exceptional actor! And a great singer whose songs (some of which he introduced to our class for play productions) inspired me to do movie soundtracks. He was one of the first to take me to a recording studio to do backup vocals for his songs.