I’m not stepping into my father’s shoes; I have mine — Yul Edochie
Popular Nollywood actor and last son of veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, Yul Edochie, has been able to carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian movie industry. He tells his story in this interview with JOAN OMIONAWELE
What motivated you to become an actor?
My background is the motivation. My father loved watching movies and acting so that motivated me. And of course, I was named after a great American actor who had a deep voice. So I think I was destined to be an actor.
Over time you have been able to harness your skills and have written your name in the minds of Nigerians as a talented actor, how were you able to get to this stage?
First, I think it is God’s will because He gave me the talent. Then I had the zeal to make it, I had the passion to work even without getting paid, I just wanted to act. So I think that drove made me to excel. And I always wanted to be better, I studied many actors and learnt from them.
What did you want to become while growing up?
I wanted to be an actor, then at some point I wanted to be a journalist, and a soldier as well. I always loved the army and I still do.
You have also been able to make a name for yourself despite being one of the sons of a veteran actor, Pete Edochie, but do you see yourself stepping into his shoes as you grow older?
Well, I think I already made my own shoes myself and stepped into them. So I’ll keep getting better and keep being who I am.
But sometimes, do you think people give you roles because you are his son?
I don’t think that has ever happened. It used to get me recognition but never the roles. I started from the scratch, doing all the little roles and I grew with time. A couple of times the name brings envy.
The name ‘Edochie’ brings you envy, how?
Yes, it does. Not everyone is happy about it. Some like it, some don’t. Just like the gay stalker who told me that he checked my name on the internet and I don’t have any scandals, so he’s going to create a scandal for me. To rubbish my name. All because I’m ‘Edochie’.
So some people dislike you because of the name?
I’m not saying people dislike me. But I’ve heard a lot of hateful comments from people I haven’t even had any dealing with, all because of my name. But I ignore all that and move forward. I guess all that comes with being successful.
Let’s talk about your childhood, what was growing up like?
Growing up was fun. I grew up in the East and partly in Lagos because my mum would always bring me to Lagos to spend holidays with my uncle. Growing up was normal, there wasn’t much money. My parents were civil servants, but very strict with a strong Catholic background.
How strict was Pete Edochie as a father?
My father was very strict, and is still strict. He doesn’t take rubbish. He taught us to always do to others as you would want them to do to you.
Did you ever use to watch your dad while he rehearsed his lines?
Yes, I watched him rehearse when he did Things Fall Apart ‘in the 80’s. I was a kid then but I remember he would walk around the sitting room and be talking to himself, reciting lines from Shakespeare. It looked strange at that time but as I grew up I realised he was rehearsing then, and I got used to it. Then I couldn’t understand what he was doing and why he was doing it.
As the last son, were you pampered?
I don’t think I was pampered. I was raised like the rest, no preferential treatment. I was taught to do everything for myself and never depend on people for anything, to work hard.
So far, how has life been as an actor in Nollywood?
Life as an actor has been good. I thank God. Though it comes with its own challenges, very little private life, people judge you without even knowing you, and many envy you and want to bring you down. But in all, I give God all the glory.
What bothers you about Nollywood?
The fact that the young ones just want to be stars, not necessarily to learn how to act. Then we have very few people who are able to teach them what should be. So a lot of things are not done properly. But generally I think Nollywood is making great progress.
Nigerians have just their political leaders, what do you demand from the newly-elected government?
I demand good governance. A good country, we have the resources to make Nigeria great. UAE has oil, the same oil we have. Dubai is one of the finest cities in the world, because they use their oil money well. I want it to be same with Nigeria, not few people taking all the money while the masses suffer.
You are one of the actors who had an early marriage, why did you decide to marry early?
I loved my wife, my mother loved her even more. it was actually my mother’s decision for me to marry early. She loved my wife a lot and always believed she was the perfect woman for me. My mother knew her from 1998 when we met. And she also believed that early marriage would help me stay focused. I would say her strategy worked. She said I would thank her many years later. And I have thanked her because I think it is the best decision I took in my life.
What keeps you attracted to a woman?
I don’t know oo.... I’m only attracted to my wife. I refuse to be attracted to another woman (laughs).
Who are your mentors in the industry?
Well, I looked up to a couple of people. My dad of course. Olu Jacobs. RMD. Ramsey Nouah, Chigozie Atuanya. Mike Ezuruonye, Desmond Elliot, Nonso Diobi.
I’m sure you are not having it easy with your female fans due to your baritone voice and good looks, how do you manage to keep them at arms length?
It takes the will of God to stay away from female fans. I run!!! A few years ago it was more difficult but now, maybe because I’ve been around for a while it is getting easier. Each time I get a little break from work I run home to my family. I never forget I have a wife at home that I wouldn’t want to cheat on.
You recently reported a guy who is gay and alleged that he was stalking you because you refused to send nude pictures to him, have you been able to track him down?
I have sent reports to the police in Canada and they are looking into it. I have also been contacted by his family, they apologised for his wrongs and want us to handle it peacefully. Soon I will let the public know.
Why do you think he kept on stalking you for so long?
He used to be a big fan of mine. He loved me, he said he’s obsessed with me actually. Then when he couldnt get what he wanted he vowed to destroy my good name as much as he can. The boy isn’t normal actually. I heard from other actors that he has also stalked them.
How did he get your contact in the first place?
He has friends in Nollywood, so anytime I change my number he would pay people to get it.
Do you see yourself going into politics anytime soon?
Sure I will go into politics, that will help me touch many lives positively as I wish to.
With reference to the gay stalker story, some people are of the opinion that this is a publicity stunt from your camp, what’s your reaction to this?
Publicity stunt indeed! My dear, what I’ve gone through at the hands of that psycho stalker, believe me, I would not wish it on anyone.
But we are working on resolving it. I have been contacted by his family, his aunties and his mother who have been very apologetic about their son’s behaviour and pleaded with me to temper justice with mercy so we can resolve the issue amicably.
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