Legendary Ghanaian actor William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, has died. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after a prolonged struggle with illness. His death was confirmed by a family source to 3Entertainment’s Joseph Worae, and later by the Actors Guild.
Akpatse was an iconic presence in Ghana’s theatre and television landscape, rising to prominence through his memorable performances on GTV’s “Thursday Theatre.” His sharp humour, distinctive style, and magnetic screen presence endeared him to audiences nationwide.
Beyond acting, William Addo played significant leadership roles in Ghana’s cultural sector, serving as Director at the National Theatre and as Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture.
He pursued academic excellence in the arts, studying Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana and obtaining a master’s degree in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds in the UK. Upon his return, he joined the University of Ghana’s Theatre Arts Department as a lecturer, where he nurtured and shaped many emerging talents.
News of his passing has sparked widespread grief across the arts fraternity and among the general public, many of whom remember him as a pillar of Ghanaian theatre and entertainment.
