Veteran Nollywood actor, choreographer, singer, and academic Patrick Okoye, popularly known as “Energy” or “Patosky,” has died, sparking an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students, and fans across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Key Highlights:
- Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick “Energy” Okoye has died
- His death was announced through his official Instagram page
- Actor Ken Erics confirmed the news in an emotional tribute
- Okoye was a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- The late actor featured in several popular Nollywood movies
- Cause of death was not disclosed as of press time
The actor’s death was announced on Thursday through a post shared on his Instagram page, which featured his photograph alongside the caption, “Rest in peace, legend.”
Popular Nollywood actor Ken Erics also confirmed the development in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram on Friday, describing the late actor as a mentor and major influence in his life and career.
“This one hits hard because we spoke barely 24 hours before your demise, and you were hale and hearty,” Erics wrote.
The cause of death had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Patrick Okoye became widely known in Nollywood for his commanding performances in traditional roles, particularly as Igwe, Onowu, and elder statesman characters in numerous movies.
Beyond his acting career, the late entertainer was also a respected academic who lectured in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Ken Erics revealed that Okoye played a key role in shaping his career and encouraging young talents in the Nigerian film industry.
According to him, the late actor inspired him to study Theatre Arts at the university and frequently connected students to movie audition opportunities outside the classroom.
Erics further described Okoye as a versatile entertainer with exceptional talent in acting, singing, dancing, and improvisation.
“This man nurtured raw talents and made stars, many of whom are doing well in the entertainment space,” he added.
Patrick Okoye also built a reputation as a choreographer and singer during his decades-long career in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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He appeared in several Nollywood productions, including Midnight Love, Old School, Finding a Wife, The Lion, and Over My Dead Body.
Throughout his acting career, he featured alongside prominent Nollywood stars such as Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, and Yul Edochie.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, students, and fans mourning his passing while celebrating his lasting contributions to Nollywood, theatre arts education, and talent development in Nigeria.
