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Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has opened up about the emotional toll his celebrity status once had on his family, revealing that his daughter was singled out and bullied at school simply because of who he is.
The 58-year-old actor made the disclosure during a candid interview on WithChude, where he reflected on parenting in the spotlight and the unexpected challenges that come with public recognition. According to Udokwu, his daughter faced harassment from older students while she was in Junior Secondary School 1 at Queens College, Lagos.
“I remember when my daughter was in Queens College, some senior students were just punishing her for just being (my daughter). Today when we talk about it, she will laugh. But it was not funny. She was in JSS 1,” Udokwu said.
He explained that at the time, the experience was deeply unsettling for both him and his wife, even though their daughter now looks back on it with humour. For Udokwu, however, the memory remains a reminder of how fame can sometimes place an unfair burden on the children of public figures.
The actor revealed that he and his wife, Cassandra Joseph, were intentional about giving their children a normal upbringing, which influenced their decision to enrol them in public schools rather than elite private institutions.
“I did not want to be in their face so that I do not distract them. We agreed they were going to go to public school, because I also attended public schools,” he added.
Udokwu said he believed that public schools would provide a more grounded environment, free from the pressures and privileges that sometimes come with being associated with a celebrity parent. His goal, he explained, was to ensure that his children grew up understanding discipline, resilience, and independence, values he himself learned early in life.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, the actor shared that he attended St. Peter’s Primary School in Enugu before moving on to Oraukwu Grammar School in Anambra State. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, a foundation that laid the groundwork for his successful acting career.
Udokwu rose to prominence in 1992 after starring in the now-classic Nollywood film Living in Bondage, a production widely regarded as a major turning point in the Nigerian movie industry. His performance in the movie helped establish him as one of the pioneering figures of modern Nollywood, earning him widespread recognition and respect.
Over the years, he has featured in numerous films and television productions, becoming a household name and a respected voice within the industry. Beyond acting, Udokwu has also taken on leadership and advocacy roles, using his influence to promote Nigerian culture, tourism, and the creative arts.
Currently, he serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Entertainment, Tourism, and Culture, a position that allows him to contribute to policy development and cultural promotion at the state level. In this role, he works closely with stakeholders in the creative sector to boost tourism and create opportunities for young talents.
Despite his achievements, Udokwu said fatherhood remains one of his most important responsibilities, and he continues to prioritise the well-being and emotional growth of his children. He admitted that navigating parenthood while being a public figure requires constant balance, sensitivity, and open communication.
He noted that experiences such as his daughter’s ordeal at school reinforced the importance of preparing children emotionally and mentally for the realities that come with having a famous parent.
Udokwu is married to Cassandra Joseph, and the couple has two children. He often speaks fondly of his family, describing them as his anchor and greatest source of strength.
Through his story, the veteran actor offers a rare glimpse into the less glamorous side of fame, reminding the public that behind the spotlight are families who sometimes bear its unintended consequences.
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