Pete Edochie: ‘I’m not in the same league with other actors’

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has said he does not consider himself to be on the same level as other actors in the industry, describing himself as a different class from his colleagues.

Edochie made the statement while featuring on comedian Isbae U’s online show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, in a newly released episode.

During the interview, the actor was asked to name his favourite actor, but he declined, saying he could not pick one because he considers himself bigger than his colleagues.

“I don’t have a favourite actor because I am bigger than all of them,” Edochie said.

The veteran actor also addressed claims by some people in the industry that they are older than him in acting, saying he has never felt the need to respond to such comments.

“People have been writing that they are older than me in the industry, but I don’t respond,” he said.

When asked about actors who believe they are on the same level as him, Edochie challenged anyone with such a view to come forward.

“Whoever said they are of the same level with me should come out and say it,” he said.

His comments come amid previous remarks by actor Yemi Solade, who claimed he started acting before Edochie.

Solade had said that although Edochie is older than him, he began his acting career earlier and described Edochie as a senior colleague.

The issue resurfaced when Solade appeared on Curiosity Made Me Ask, where he maintained that he started acting before the veteran actor.

Edochie, however, did not mention Solade by name while responding to people who have claimed seniority over him or considered themselves his equal.

Speaking about being described as a legend, the actor said he was not sure of the meaning of the title but appreciated the recognition.

“I don’t know the definition of people’s legend, but I’m glad to be celebrated,” he said.

Edochie, who remains one of Nollywood’s most recognised figures, has enjoyed a career spanning decades and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers who helped shape the Nigerian film industry.