‘I Was Acting Before Nollywood’ — Pete Edochie

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Pete Edochie has spoken about his decades-long acting career, stressing that he began performing long before Nollywood emerged as Nigeria’s popular film industry.

Pete Edochie made the remarks during an appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by comedian Isbae U. Pete Edochie was asked about claims from some colleagues regarding seniority in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Pete Edochie pointed to his early beginnings, recalling that he performed on stage as far back as 1962, when he was just 15 years old. He said he took part in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice at a time when stage performances were more prominent because Nigeria’s film industry had yet to develop.

Pete Edochie also highlighted the international attention he received during his career, noting that his work attracted foreign journalists who travelled to Nigeria to interview him.

A major breakthrough came when Pete Edochie portrayed Okonkwo in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. The role brought Pete Edochie widespread recognition and established him as one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.

Nollywood’s rise is generally linked to the growth of Nigeria’s home-video industry in the early 1990s. Pete Edochie’s acting journey, however, had already begun decades earlier.

Addressing claims about seniority, Pete Edochie said he had seen people make various statements about their place in the industry but had mostly chosen to ignore them.

Pete Edochie also referenced the honours he has received throughout his career, including national recognition during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and honorary doctorates from a university in Togo.

Before becoming a full-time actor, Pete Edochie worked as a Director of Programmes. He eventually moved fully into acting and went on to build a career spanning several decades.

Pete Edochie’s latest comments once again highlight how long he has been involved in Nigerian theatre and film, with his acting journey predating the emergence of Nollywood by many years.

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