It has been a decade since JT Tom West died tragically in a motor accident on his way from a movie location, and everyone seems to have forgotten him and moved on.
The untitled movie, which was never released, was a collaboration between Nollywood producers Michael Ofuonye and Teddy Sir Moris.
In his pomp, Joe Tamuno-Bididamaa Tom West, who was also a director, dancer and singer, was one of the brightest stars in the fledging movie industry, acting in movies such as, State of Emergency, The Captor, The Price, Last Weekend, She Devil, Gangster Paradise.
Despite always being typecast as the ‘action guy’ in movies, JT, was loved and admired by his fans, who saw beneath his tough guy exterior, a dedicated and talented professional.
His impact on the industry was also particularly felt amongst his colleagues. Actors like Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Empress Njamah, Femi Branch, collaborated with him and is credited with giving many of them their big breaks.
READ: JT Tom West, dead but not forgotten
The death of JT in an hospital on Lagos Island, where he was taken after the accident, shook Nollywood to its core.
According to a source, ‘The car they were driving lost control and somersaulted severally. Some good samaritans rescued them from the wreckage and took them to the hospital, but unfortunately Tom-West died as a result of internal bleeding, while the other two are responding to treatment.’
Speaking at the time of his death, fellow actor Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey said, ‘Why J.T? Since the sad news got to me early this morning through a nurse friend of mine, I have not been myself. He was a very good actor and a complete gentleman.’
Also sharing her grief was actress Oby Edozieh, who said, ‘his good works and the simple life he led would remain indelible on the minds of people, especially his colleagues and fans. He came, saw and affected lives through his numerous movies. He would be missed by all of us. Adieu my good pal.’
A lot has happened in the movie industry since JT’s passing. Nollywood movies have improved in quantity if not in quality. There are far more actors and actress who have chosen it as a career path. Nigerian movies are now been screened in foreign movie festivals.
But it is still important to remember those that blazed the trail that others are following now. Those that laid the foundation for what is now called Nollywood, new or old.
Also, JT’s death reminds that our roads have been deathtraps for quite a while, snatching the lives of the most vibrant from the society.
But the 10th anniversary of JT’s passing passed without incident, mention or memorial from his colleagues. Nobody remembers JT any more
Born on July 9, 1965, the actor who is famous for sporting a pony tail, hailed from Rivers State and was survived by a son.
