Veteran Nollywood actor, Victor Olaotan, is dead.
He died on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
Olaotan, popularly known for his role as Fred Ade-Williams in the popular TV series, Tinsel, was bedridden for five years after he was involved in an accident.
He was 69 years old.
The actor was reportedly driving to a movie set in 2016 when the accident happened in Lagos.
He had, until recently, been battling for his life in a Turkish hospital for almost three years.
His widow, Julia Olaotan, broke the news of his death on Friday morning.
Mrs Olaotan said she is thankful that the actor can finally go to rest after suffering for years.
“He has tried. It is not easy to be trapped in your own body for five years. He can finally rest now,” she said.
The late actor was recently flown back to Nigeria, where his condition deteriorated as his family could no longer afford his medical expenses abroad.
Fellow actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) wrote a tribute to his late colleague saying:
“Memories flood my mind. Every time I play or hear Adekunle Gold’s Orente… I remember how much you loved that song, it was our song.
“You not only made me love it, you gave me a mixed tape with the song in it.
“You were such a vibe.
“I’m glad our loved ones never die, more so actors. But live in our memories forever.
“My deepest condolences to your wife and family.
“Rest in power, my friend and brother.
#victorolaotan
#Rmdsaysso”
In 2018, the actor requested financial aid to facilitate his treatments outside the country, after two years of being incapacitated. Shortly after Femi Otedola, agreed to settle his bill of about N39m.
The actor’s wife confirmed that the money was paid directly into the account of the hospital in Turkey.
Olaotan has featured in films such as “Three Wise Men”, alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo and Zack Orji, “Love Struck,” and “Lotanna”.
Victor Olaotan was born in Lagos in early 1952. He studied drama at the University of Ibadan, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, and at Rockets University, United States.
