You know how when a good person passes on and almost everyone has got something to say about an experience or two they had together? A few days ago, that person happened to be Pascal Kilei; a young, bubbly, ever happy, sunshine inducer and promising actor. Actually, using the term promising would mean he hadn’t achieved his full potential yet, and I would be lying if I say that.
Pascal had more than achieved his potential. I say that because most upcoming/ amateur actors and even actors who are currently causing waves in the industry have stepped forward to talk about how the unsung coastal legend mentored them. I am more than proud to say that I am one of his mentees. The most surprising thing about this young man’s tale is that he wasn’t even 30 yrs old yet.
Pascal was one of the amazing thespians I ever set my eyes on.
As people kept fleeing the theatre for entertainment from the comfort of their homes, Pascal’s passion for theatre did not diminish. If anything it, grew stronger. I think it’s also worth noting that as actors flee the stage for greener pastures and more exciting endeavors in the form of screen acting, Pascal never abandoned his true love; theatre. Not to be mistaken as a poor screen actor though, if anything, he always killed his roles. And by kill I mean performed them to perfection. Most thespians suck on screen and vice versa but not him. He adapted to either like fish in water.
The first movie I ever featured in was known as “your loss my gain.” I was nervous and I kept flopping at the slightest chance presentable. The more I kept hitting a wrong turn the more nervous I became. It became so unbearable I couldn’t stand it anymore. I was playing the role of a wealthy evil girl who slept and played men randomly. And I cheated on “my” boyfriend with guess who. Pascal. When I couldn’t stand the tension anymore I stormed out of the set with Pascal hot on my heels. I was sobbing silently and I remember him holding me in his arms. Both of us saying nothing for more than 5 minutes as we rocked in each other’s arm. Afterwards he sat me down and talked me to calmness. Never one to lack encouraging words, that boy. Needless to say, his words were so moving I went back on set and “killed” my role. And I have never looked back.
So yes, in a small way, the late Pascal kilei helped shape me into the amazing actress I am today (don’t give me the side eye abeg, I’m just stating facts, not blowing my own trumpet). He encouraged me along the way so many other times. I will forever be grateful to him. To be honest, I never once saw him lose his temper on set. Not once. Never yelled and never corrected people’s mistakes like he enjoyed them.
I never saw the little theatre club fill up with people as it did during his wake. People were mourning openly, strangers shed tears for this amazing soul they never had the chance to meet. The place was packed – so packed that there was a queue on the gate, and even though my friends and I had come 30 minutes earlier, we still couldn’t find a place to sit. So I ask, what will your legacy be when you die? What legacy will you live behind? How many people have you helped in this world or are you this nasty character that always has something to evil to say about other people, always conning people of their money, always leaving tears in your wake. Look inside your heart and answer yourself.
Your fellow thespians miss you. You have left a huge gap in the filming industry that we doubt will ever be filled properly. We loved you, but God loved you more.
RIP Pascal love.
