Sam Loco Efe

**Sam Loco Efe: Nigerian Actor, Producer, and Director** **Early Life and Education** Samuel Arase Efeimwonkiyeke, widely known by his stage name Sam Loco Efe, was a prominent Nigerian actor, film producer, and director. He was born on December 25, 1939, in Enugu, British Nigeria. His father, Arase Efeimwonkiyeke, was an Edo warder, and his mother was a petty trader who sold bean cakes. Due to his family's circumstances, Sam Loco Efe reportedly spent 13 years attending about six different schools, sometimes selling local bean cakes (akara) to pay for his tuition. In 1960, while attending Presbyterian College, Afrikpo, he produced and starred in the play *Doctor in spite of Himself*. He later served briefly in the Biafran Armed Forces during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1968). **Career Progression and Notable Works** Sam Loco Efe's professional acting career began around 1977. He gained recognition after successfully auditioning for and securing the lead role in *Langbodo*, a play by Dapo Adelugba that was presented during the Festival of Arts and Culture (Festac). Following Festac, Adelugba helped him secure a position as a senior artiste at the University of Ibadan, which launched his career in professional theatre and subsequently, film. Efe became one of the most recognizable and versatile faces in the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood), known for his comedic timing and distinctive character roles. He appeared in over 500 films and stage productions throughout his career. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Sam Loco Efe’s filmography includes numerous Nigerian classics. Some of his most notable works include: * *Things Fall Apart* (1987) * *Vigilante* (1988) * *Nneka the Pretty Serpent* (1994) * *Ukwa* (1995) * *Owo Blow* (1997) * *My Love* (2002) * *Long John* (2002) * *Tom and Jerry* (2003) (alongside Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme) * *Osuofia in London* (2003) * *Intelligent Students* (2008) * *Heart of Stone* (2010) * *I'll Take My Chances* (2011)Beyond acting, Efe also pursued a career in music, releasing songs such as "Ego," "Igwe," "Anything," and "WAEC." **Current Status** Sam Loco Efe passed away on August 7, 2011, at the age of 71, in Amakohia, Imo State, Nigeria. He was found dead in a hotel room after failing to come down from his room the previous morning. The exact cause of his death was not officially determined, though Ventolin inhalers were found beside him. His contribution to Nigerian cinema remains highly influential, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in Nollywood.