Acting
Chief Pete Edochie (born 7 March 1947 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria) is a legendary Nigerian actor and broadcasting pioneer. Hailing from Anambra State, Edochie’s journey began in radio; at age 20, he started as a junior programmes assistant at the Eastern Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation and rose to become a director.
His breakthrough into acting came in the 1980s with his unforgettable portrayal of Okonkwo in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s "Things Fall Apart", a role that catapulted him to national and continental fame and earned critical acclaim for his depth and gravitas.
Over a storied career spanning more than four decades, Pete Edochie has appeared in over 200 films—ranging from legendary classics like Igodo, Rituals, and Living in Bondage, to modern hits like Lionheart (2018), where he starred alongside Genevieve Nnaji. Renowned for his authoritative presence, resonant voice, and roles embodying kings, patriarchs, and wise elders, he has shaped the fabric of Nollywood and African cinema.
Honours awarded to him include:
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2003 by President Obasanjo,
- Africa Magic Industry Merit Award,
- Africa Movie Academy (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award,
- African Film Legend Award at the African Film Festival (TAFF) in 2020.
In 2009, he survived a kidnapping incident and was later released unharmed, a testament to the dramatic turns life itself has taken for a man of his stature.
Pete Edochie is married to Josephine Edochie; together they have six children, including Nollywood actors Yul Edochie and Linc Edochie. As a practising Catholic and cultural icon, he continues to influence and mentor the next generation of storytellers within African cinema.
Popular in | Nollywood |
Popular as | Acting |
Gender | MALE |
Birthday | March 7, 1947 (78 years old) |
Year | Movie & Role |
---|---|
2025 | |
2023 | Ifediche as |
2022 | C.O.L.D as |
2020 | Unroyal as |
2018 | Lionheart as Ernest |
2008 | Amina as |
2006 | |
2004 | |
2003 | Egg of Life as Igwe |
2003 | The Python as Ochikeze |
2003 | |
1999 | Tokunboh as King Nwude |
1987 | Things Fall Apart as Okonkwo |
Super Love as Okagbue |