Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye is dead.
His death was announced on Thursday in a post shared on his Instagram page.
The post featured his photograph alongside the caption, “Rest in peace, legend.”
Actor Ken Erics also confirmed the development in a statement shared on Instagram on Friday.
The 41-year-old, however, did not disclose the cause of death of the late actor, who was known for playing Igwe, Onowu and elderly roles in movies.
Erics 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! 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.”
He described the late actor as a motivator who was always willing to guide younger talents.
According to him, the late Anambra born actor contributed to the growth of many entertainers in the industry.
Ken said, “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. Patosky!! 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”, he said.
Ken added that Okoye’s death was a huge loss to the entertainment industry.
He said, “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.”
Patrick Okoye, popularly known as Energy or Patosky, was also a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Aside from acting, he was known as a singer, choreographer and stage performer.
He featured in films including Midnight Love, Old School, Finding a Wife, The Lion, The Jagaban and Over My Dead Body.
During his career, he worked alongside actors such as Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Rita Arum and Yul Edochie.
