Fans, patrons and members of Nollywood mourn the death of legendary actor and director Sam Loco Efe. His body was found Sunday morning in a Rapour Hotel room in Owerri, Imo State (Nigeria).
Efe was on location in Owerri directing a movie entitled “Unknown Prophet” Saturday evening. He had requested cast and crew end filming early before retreating to his hotel room to rest. Colleagues and hotel staff found him dead early the next morning. Police are currently conducting an investigation to confirm the cause of death though sources say he had complained of heart problems shortly before wrapping filming.
Efe’s death follows closely after the burial of Nollywood veteran actor Ashley Nwosu, who passed away in April. “The industry has not finished mourning the sudden death of Ashley Nwosu, before another death occurred,” said Actors Guild of Nigeria President, Segun Arinze. “I’m heartbroken. I’m confused.”
Though his untimely death serves as a blow to Africa’s growing movie community, Sam Loco Efe is now being celebrated as “the father of the entertainment industry” and a pioneer of the Nollywood movie industry. He was 66.
