The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has described Lari Williams’ death as a colossal loss to Africa’s creative industry.
Emeka Rollas, National President of the Guild, in a statement on Monday, said the deceased was a thorough bred thespian, poet, playwright and a teacher.
Rollas noted that the news of his death was received with great shock.
” Chief Lari Williams’ death is colossal loss to Africa’s creative industry.
” We commiserate with his immediate family, friends and fans all over the world.
“He was a thorough bred thespian, poet, playwright and a teacher. He stood apart from whatever vantage position we knew him, as someone special.
“This is indeed a grieving moment for the creative industry as we mourn the passage of a creative icon.
“May God comfort all of us at this moment of grief. Rest in peace Uncle Lari Williams,” he said.
Williams, until his death, was popular for his roles in hit soap operas such as ‘Village Headmaster’, ‘Ripples’, and ‘Mirror in The Sun’.
Williams was a poet, playwright and celebrated actor both in live theatre and on screen, which earned him a prestigious national honour – Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2008.
The Nollywood veteran studied journalism at the London School of Journalism.
He then proceeded to study English at Morley College and then drama at the Mountview Theatre School and Stratford E15 Acting School, England, to become a professional actor.
