Pete Edochie: An Enigma In Nollywood

Pete Edochie was born 7 March 1947. A devout Catholic, he is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, by both Movie Awards and Movie Magic’s Africa Magic Cable network.

Although a seasoned administrator and broadcaster, he came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all time best, selling novel, 'Things Fall Apart'. Edochie got into radio broadcasting in 1967 as a junior programmes assistant after which he was elevated to the level of a Director.

He was director of programmes, but doubling sometimes as Deputy Managing Director and occasionally acting as Managing Director. He quit ABS because the government decided to politise the affairs of their FM station, thereby resulting in the entire management being asked to move out, including him. He was to be the immediate successor to the MD but had to leave and enrol into the movie industry.

In 2005 the Actors' Guild of Nigeria placed Pete Edochie and several other actors, including Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nkem Owoh, Ramsey Noah, Stella Damasus Aboderin, Chinwe Okeke and Richard Mofe Damijo on a one year ban from filming after they were said to have been collecting huge fees from producers due to their A-list celebrity status.

The ban placed on these actors was seen as doom in the Nigerian film business, but currently, the actors are back in filming.
On August 16, 2009 Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie was kidnapped on his way to an event in Anambra State. He was released on August 17, 2009.

Achievements:
Pete Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, by both Movie Awards and Movie Magic’s Africa Magic Cable network. Although a seasoned administrator and broadcaster, he came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all time bestselling novel, Things Fall Apart.

The BBC flew into Nigeria to interview him for his role. In 1987 he was appointed a director in Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation. He retired as a broadcaster in 1988. He moved into the movie industry and has featured and starred in over 200 movies.
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