Legendary Ghanaian actor, director, and cultural icon William Addo, popularly known as Akpatse, has passed away at the age of 72.
The veteran thespian died peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2025, after a prolonged battle with severe health complications.
Akpatse was a towering figure in Ghana’s creative arts industry, renowned for his memorable performances on GTV’s iconic Thursday Theatre series and numerous stage productions.
His sharp wit, infectious humour, and commanding stage presence earned him a special place in the hearts of Ghanaians across generations.
A trained professional, William Addo studied Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana, Legon, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
He brought his academic excellence into both performance and mentorship.
Throughout his illustrious career, Akpatse served as Director of the National Theatre of Ghana and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture.
He was also a respected lecturer at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, where he groomed many of today’s leading actors, directors, and filmmakers.
In his later years, the actor battled serious health issues, including visual impairment caused by glaucoma and cataracts. Despite these challenges, he remained a symbol of resilience and dedication to the arts until his passing.
Tributes have begun pouring in from the creative arts community, with many describing him as a true legend whose contributions to Ghanaian theatre and culture are immeasurable.