I’m bigger than my colleagues — Pete Edochie

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has declared that he does not consider any of his fellow actors his favourite because, in his view, none operates at his level in the industry.

Edochie made the remark during an appearance on comedian Isbae U’s online programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, where he was asked to identify his favourite actor.

Rather than single out a colleague, the veteran actor said he considered himself bigger than other actors in the industry.

Edochie also addressed claims by some actors that they are older or more senior to him professionally, saying he had chosen not to engage in such arguments.

“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 publicly make the claim.

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

His comments come after fellow actor Yemi Solade previously claimed that he started acting before Edochie, despite acknowledging that Edochie is older.

Solade, who described Edochie as a senior colleague, reiterated the claim during his own appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask. However, Edochie did not mention Solade by name while responding to the issue.

The veteran actor was also asked about being regarded as a legend in Nollywood.

While admitting that he was uncertain about how people defined the word “legend”, Edochie said he appreciated the recognition he had received from the public.

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

Edochie further revealed that he had built a professional career outside acting before entering Nollywood and eventually retired from his previous career as a Director of Programmes.

With decades of experience in the Nigerian film industry, Edochie remains one of Nollywood’s most prominent actors, having appeared in numerous films and television productions.