Popular Nigerian actor and lecturer Patrick Okoye has died.
Naija News reports that the news was confirmed in a post on his Instagram account featuring his photograph with the caption, “Rest in peace, legend.”
Okoye, fondly called “Energy” by fans and colleagues, was a professor in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He was known for playing traditional roles in Nollywood films.
Fellow Nollywood actor, Ken Erics, described Okoye’s death as devastating.
In an emotional tribute posted online, Erics said he spoke with the late actor barely 24 hours before his death.
He wrote, “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. Indeed, the creative world has lost a gem!”
Erics said Okoye played a major role in his career and encouraged him to study Theatre Arts.
He added, “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.
“This man nurtured raw talents and made stars, many of whom are doing well in the entertainment space.”
He also recalled attending movie auditions with Okoye while he was still a student.
Erics said, “I remember, as a student, joining him in his car to attend movie auditions outside school sessions. His encouragement and guidance were palpable. Patosky!!”
Erics described the late actor as a complete artist, dancer, singer and mentor.
He wrote, “As all fondly called him, the theatre community was the lifeline of rehearsals and stage performances as a newbie in improvisation classes. 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.
“Thank you, sir, for the nurture. I’m glad we got to do so many projects together professionally. A total artiste to the core! Death had dealt us a heavy blow. Rest with the Angels, Uncle Pat!
“May all your loved ones all over the world be comforted. Good night, Energy! Good night, Patosky! Good night, the Shimmer Master!! Rest well as you journey through the chthonic realm.”
Okoye rose to prominence through roles in films such as Onye Ozil, The Duplex and Midnight Love.
His film credits also include Old School, Finding a Wife, The Lion, The Jagaban and Over My Dead Body.
