Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American professor, once said; “Sudden death teaches us to live fully, embracing each day as if it were our last, for we never know when it may be our turn to leave this world.”
The death of Patience Ugwu, Nigeria’s Nollywood fast-rising star depicts the philosophy of Kabat-Zinn, for if death is by age, at 35, Pat Ugwu, as she is popularly known among her colleagues and fans, would have been alive and bubbling.
Pat was born on December 13, 1988, at Umuogbu Ichi in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State. She had her tertiary education at the University of Abuja, where she graduated in 2014.
Her acting career and life could be said to have begun when she started acting in her village before officially joining the industry in 2016, two years after her graduation.
However, like everything in Nigeria, Pat’s journey in Nollywood had its challenges. She faced rejection and betrayal from colleagues, but her determination to carve a niche in the industry remained unwavering.
Read also: Onyeka Onwenu became “an exact wo(man)” before leaving this plane
Beyond acting, she was an online fitness coach for PatPat Fitness, a beauty business owner, and a permanent makeup trainer.
Over the years, the Ichi-born actress gained attention for her bold online presence and outspoken nature. She once made headlines for advising women against advertising their relationships unless their partners reciprocated and stirred controversy with her comments on men’s sexual performance.
She credited social media for boosting her career and shared how a near-fatal past relationship made her prioritise her career over love, inspiring others with her resilience.
The sad news of Pat’s death as announced on Wednesday by Emeka Okoye, a veteran actor on his social media page, has traveled with the speed of light, leaving many fans, and colleagues wondering what could have happened, as details surrounding her death remain vague till now.
The 35-year-old actress, who was rapidly making a name for herself in Nollywood, left her colleagues and fans in shock and grief.
‘Pat’ Ugwu, who is also known as ‘Sugar Girl,’ was known for her roles in some of her movies such as Lack of Money (2018), Port-Harcourt Lady (2019), and Twist of Fate (2020).
According to the flier, Ugwu’s funeral will commence with a wake-keep on Thursday, February 6, and will be buried on Friday, February 7, 2025, at her father’s compound.
Unfortunately, and remarkably also, her burial is coming three years and four months after her father’s death,
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
