Joe
Tamuno-Bibidamaa Tom-West was undoubtedly one of the best Nollywood’s
action stars and ‘bad boy’. Up until he passed away a few days after
being involved in an auto crash in 2006, West featured in quite a
number of Nollywood films and was at some point known as one of
Nollywood’s best.
With his looks and
diction, JT Tom West was a producer’s favourite and was always at his
best in many Nollywood movies. Many may not forget in a hurry his role
in Teco Benson’s 2004 movie, ‘State of Emergency’. Playing the role of
a good soldier turned- terrorist, West, alongside his special squad of
hit men, held the president and minister’s hostage for hours until they
were eventually overpowered.
The
Singer/model/dancer known for his ponytail and good diction was a
candidate heading to Hollywood , because he really stood out of the
crowd of actors way back.The Rivers State born actor carved a niche for
himself in the industry with his unusual villain roles, alongside
popular villains like Saint Obi, Hanks Anuku, Gentle Jack, Segun Arinze
and Jerry Amilo. The Beginning
He rose to stardom
when he featured in the now rested soap ‘Fortunes’ and he was at some
point pursing a musical career.Many may remember him for the rap verse
he delivered in the popular NTA Channel 5 jingle ‘Don’t settle for
less’. The actor who was at some point romantically linked to Nollywood
actress and producer, Tricia Esiegbe featured in the musical videos of
Blackky, Segun Arinze and Esse Agesse as a dancer.
He began his foray
into movies with a minor role in ‘Glamour Girls’ and afterwards
featured in ‘Laviva’, ‘Ghetto Crime’, ‘She Devil’,‘Gangster Paradise’,
‘The Captor’ among many others.
Gone too soon
West was involved
an auto crash while returning from a movie location whose shoot went on
into the night. It’s five years since his death but still his name
continues to draw up emotions from his unbelieving fans and colleagues. In
a recent interview, fellow actress, Kate Henshaw Nuttal revealed that
‘the late JT Tom West invited me for my first audition’. Nuttal
clinched a major role as Omono in ‘When The Sun Sets’ which earned her
the The Best Upcoming Actress in 1996 and helped kick start her career.
West who was a mentor to lots of now established actors passed away in
September 2006 at the Lagos General hospital.
