Nollywood Mourns Again as Veteran Actor, Professor Patrick Okoye ‘Energy’ Dies

​The Nigerian film industry and the academic community have been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden demise of veteran Nollywood actor and university lecturer, Professor Patrick Chukwura Okoye.

​Popularly known by his screen moniker “Energy,” Professor Okoye reportedly passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026. The heartbreaking news was later confirmed via a solemn post on his official Instagram page, which simply read, “Rest in peace legend.”

​Dual Legacy in Academia and Cinema

​Beyond his vibrant, commanding screen presence that earned him the nickname “Energy,” Okoye was a distinguished academic. He was a Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies under the Faculty of Arts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State.

​His unique position allowed him to bridge the gap between theoretical theater education and the practical, fast-paced world of Nollywood. He was widely celebrated by his students and peers as an exceptional mentor who passionately shaped the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers and actors.

​In an official statement confirming the tragic loss, the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at UNIZIK, Dr. Nkemakonam Aniukwu, expressed profound sorrow on behalf of the university community.

​”His sudden demise has left a huge void that will be difficult to fill. Professor Okoye was a vibrant personality, a respected figure in Nollywood, an exceptional teacher, and a mentor who impacted many lives through his contributions to the entertainment industry and academics,” Dr. Aniukwu stated, while praying for strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

​A Fresh Wave of Grief in Nollywood

​Okoye’s passing comes as a severe blow to an entertainment industry that is already reeling from a recurring wave of tragedy. His death occurs less than three weeks after the Nigerian movie industry mourned the loss of another prominent actor, Alexx Ekubo, further compounding the sense of grief gripping practitioners and fans alike.

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​As news of his death rippled across the country, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from devastated students, colleagues in Nollywood, and well-wishers. Many expressed shock over the suddenness of his departure, reminiscing about his dynamic energy both in the lecture halls and on movie sets.

​Funeral arrangements and official statements from the family are expected to be announced in the coming days.