Veteran Nigerian actor Pete Edochie has said his acting career began decades before the emergence of Nollywood, recalling that he first performed on stage in 1962 at the age of 15.
Edochie made the remarks during an appearance on comedian Isbae U’s online show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, while responding to discussions about seniority within Nigeria’s film industry.
Edochie Recalls 1962 Stage Debut
The veteran actor said his first major stage performance was William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice in 1962, at a time when acting in Nigeria was largely centred on theatre.
He said there was no established film industry comparable to what exists today, stressing that actors had to demonstrate strong knowledge of Shakespeare and stage performance.
Edochie also challenged anyone who believes they began their acting career before him to come forward and prove their claim.
‘Nollywood Came in 1992’
Edochie further pointed to his role in the 1985 television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, saying it came years before the Nigerian film industry became known as Nollywood.
According to him, Nollywood emerged around 1992 with the rise of home-video productions, including Living in Bondage.
He also claimed that his work attracted international recognition, including attention from foreign journalists who travelled to Nigeria to interview him.
Seniority Debate Resurfaces
Edochie’s comments come amid renewed discussions about seniority among veteran Nigerian actors.
Actor Yemi Solade had previously claimed that he started acting before Edochie, while still acknowledging Edochie as a senior colleague.
Edochie did not mention Solade by name in his response but said he had ignored claims from people who describe themselves as senior or equal to him in the industry.
He also said he has received honours and recognition without lobbying for them, describing his career as one that speaks for itself.
