The Actors Guild of Nigeria has mourned their first National President, veteran actor Lari Williams, who died at age 81.
Williams died on Sunday at his home in Ikom Cross River state.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, the guild described his death as a colossal loss to Africa’s creative industry.
The statement read: “With heart full of deep sorrow but total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing away of our first National President and veteran Actor, Chief Lari Williams (MFR), who passed on Sunday, 27th February 2022. It was with great shock that we received the news of his death.
“Chief Lari Williams (MFR) was a thorough bred thespian, poet, playwright, and a teacher, he stood apart from whatever vantage position we knew him, as someone special. Chief Lari Williams’ death is collosal (sic) loss to Africa’s creative industry. On behalf of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the National President, Ejezie Emeka Rollas commiserate with his immediate family, friends and fans all over the world.
“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.”
After studying journalism at the London School of Journalism, Williams 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.
He was also a poet, playwright and was active in theatrical productions.
