Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye has passed away.
His death was officially announced on Thursday via a post published on his personal Instagram page, which displayed his photograph captioned with the words, “Rest in peace, legend.”
His colleague, Ken Erics, further confirmed the sad development through a statement shared on his own Instagram page on Friday.
While the 41-year-old actor did not reveal the cause of death for the late movie star—who was widely recognized for playing “Igwe,” “Onowu,” and senior characters in films—he expressed deep shock over the sudden loss.
In his tribute, 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.”
Erics went on to describe the late actor as a motivator and an incredible individual who was always ready to listen, guide, and provide direction.
According to him, the Anambra-born actor played an indispensable role in shaping his own career alongside those of many other prominent figures in the entertainment sector.
He stated:“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”
Additionally, Erics characterized the passing of the actor, affectionately known as “Energy,” as a massive blow to the creative sector, while expressing his profound gratitude for the mentorship that helped build his career.
Erics added:“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 his acting career, the deceased served as a professor and lecturer within the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies under the Faculty of Arts at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State.
As a multi-talented singer, choreographer, and screen actor, Energy shared the screen with prominent industry names such as Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Rita Arum, and Yul Edochie. He earned widespread recognition for his performances in notable movies, including Midnight Love, Old School, Finding a Wife, The Lion, The Jagaban, and Over My Dead Body.
