Remembering legendary Nollywood actor 7 years after death

chibumga izuzu

August 8, 2018 5:00 PM

The late actor starred in several classic comedy films that, even today, are still relevant and appreciated by many.

On August 7, 2011, Nollywood legend, Sam Loco Efe, was found dead in his hotel room. He was 66 years old.

The late actor and producer had just finished shooting a movie titled "The Unknown Prophet," and was in Owerri to edit the movie when he passed away in Rapour Hotel, Owerri.

The late actor starred in many classic Nollywood comedy films that, even today, are still relevant and appreciated by his fans, especially on social media platforms like Twitter.

On August 7, 2018, exactly seven years since the actor passed away, his son, Omoruyi Loco Efe, took to Twitter to remember him.

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The late Efe gained his popularity as a comic actor, starring alongside other comic actors such as Nkem Owoh, Osita Iheme, Victor Osuagwu, Chinedu Ikedieze, Ada Ameh.

He also shared the screen with talented veterans like Hilda Dokubo,

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He was known for his unique style of interpretation, jokes and gestures, which he is still widely remembered for.

His journey to becoming an actor was a long and interesting one. During his primary school days, he was a member of a drama society that performed a rendition of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar at an arts festival in Abakaliki.

While the play was the least favourite of the judges, Efe's performance was outstanding enough to earn him a scholarship to complete his primary school eduction.

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During his secondary school days, he was an active member of several drama societies and organized different stage plays.

After his secondary school education, he joined a traveling theatre group. It was during this period, while playing soccer, that he earned the nickname Locomotive, later shortened as Loco.

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Efe fought during the Civil War, after which he returned to Benin where he stared a theatre group - Ovonranwen Theatre Group - in 1968.

When acting wasn't paying off financially, he moved to Lagos to seek better career opportunities and explore a career in football.

After working with companies such as Michelin Tyres and Dunlop, he landed a role in the NTA Benin TV series, "Hotel de Jordan."

The late actor, whose acting career spanned decades, featured in unforgettable comedy films such as "Aki na Ukwa," "Ukwa," "Alice My First Lady," Tom and Jerry," "Everyday People," "Magic Cap," "A Fool at 40," "Slow Motion" among others.

Twitter reactions to Loco's death anniversary

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