Entertainment
Nollywood Actor Patrick Okoye Is Dead
Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye, also known as “Energy,” has passed away.
News of his death was announced on his Instagram page on Thursday, where a photo of the actor was shared with a simple tribute message mourning his loss.
His colleague, Ken Erics, later confirmed the sad development in an Instagram post on Friday.
He did not reveal what caused the actor’s death but shared how shocked he was, noting that they had spoken less than a day before and everything seemed normal.
Erics described the late actor as someone who played a major role in shaping his career.
He recalled how Okoye encouraged him to study Theatre Arts and supported his early steps in acting during their time at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Eric 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 went on to describe Patrick Okoye as a mentor who helped many young talents grow in the industry.
According to him, the late actor was always willing to guide others, whether through advice, rehearsals, or taking students along for auditions outside campus.
“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.
Describing his death as a painful loss to the entertainment industry, Erics expressed gratitude for the late actor’s guidance and the opportunity to work with him on several projects.
He added that Okoye’s impact would continue to live on through the many people he trained and inspired.
Eric noted, “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.”
Beyond acting, Patrick Okoye was a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at UNIZIK, where he taught and mentored students.
Throughout his career, he appeared alongside notable names such as Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Rita Arum, and Yul Edochie.
He also featured in several films, including “Midnight Love,” “Old School,” “Finding a Wife,” “The Lion,” “The Jagaban,” and “Over My Dead Body.”
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