Nollywood has lost yet another one of their own as veteran actor Lari Williams gave up the ghost in his home in Ikom, Cross River State, Nigeria on Sunday, February 27. Aged 81, Chief Lari Williams created an admirable legacy for himself in the Nigerian movie industry that will continue to live on even after his death. Let’s take a walk through the amazing journey of this late Veteran Nollywood actor.
Origin Story
Lari Williams was born in 1940 in Cross River State to Nigerian parents. In his early years, he schooled at CMS Grammar School, Lagos before going on to study Journalism at the London School of Journalism. Afterwards, Williams studied English at Morley College and shortly after got into drama which he studied at the Mountview Theatre School. He also attended the University of Iowa, America and Stratford E15 Acting School, England where he eventually became a professional actor. During his stay in England, he created a group named Calabash Artists. Williams returned to Nigeria in 1977 for FESTAC ’77. He decided to stay back with his family and continue his career here.
A Man of Firsts
Chief Williams was a celebrated actor (in live theatre and on-screen), playwright and poet who also happened to be a pioneer in many things. He was the first actor to perform on top of the 1,200 feet high Zuma Rock in Abuja FCT. There he performed his late friend, Maman Vatsa’s poem, The Bird That Sings In The Rain. He also starred in Nigeria’s first homemade video called The Witch Doctor. With his deeply rooted love for native, artistic forms, Lari Williams was the first to have the Egun Lapampa, a dreaded Lagos Island masquerade, in his play, Awero, on stage. He was also the inaugural president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN). In addition to these many firsts, Williams was the initial artist to be endorsed by two consecutive Nigerian presidents: Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) from late President Musa Yar Adua in 2008, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2013.
Apart from having a career spanning over five decades, Chief Williams also dabbled in politics. In 1983, he was the Vice Presidential candidate; a running mate to Fela Anikulapo Kuti under the Movement of the People (MOP) party. During his lifetime, Williams also taught Theatre Arts in three Nigerian universities – University of Lagos (Unilag), Lagos State University (LASU), and University of Calabar (UNICAL). He also taught arts at the National Theatre.
Chief Williams was popular for his roles in hit soap operas like Mirror in The Sun, Village Headmaster and Ripples. He was also a published author. Some of his work include Kolanut Junction, Black Current, Heartlines and Storm Baby.
Lari Williams was a true gem in the Nigerian movie and art industry and will be greatly missed by many.