At the mention of the name Edochie, your mind first drifts to the Nollywood veteran, Pete Edochie, who won the hearts of countless movie lovers with his top-notch performances. However, the apple, they say, doesn’t fall far from the tree. Pete Edochie had an heir to the throne of his movie career— Yul Edochie, as he was popularly known.
Yul Edochie is what can be described as a modern Nollywood actor. From his acting debut in 2005, he stepped into the movie industry with refined, natural performances yet a gravitas of acting. His name was inspired by a late Russian actor, Yul Brynner; it is no wonder he’s living up to the name of the fallen actor.
He has earned high praises in Nollywood as an actor that evolves with time. As a result of his compelling and remarkable theatrical achievements, many upcoming actors who viewed him as their idol have been positively influenced to pursue their acting careers.
Table of Content hide 1Biography 2Acting Career 3Theatrical Academy 4Family and Wives 5Politics 6Net Worth 7Voice 8Philanthropy 9Awards 10ConclusionBiography
Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie was born to Pete and Josephine Edochie on 7th January 1982 in Anambra State. He is the sixth out of six children born to his parents. His father is a renowned movie veteran while his mother was a broadcaster.
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He attended Lillian’s Day Nursery School and Robinson Street Primary School in his early and younger days. When he was done, his learning continued up to secondary school, where he attended Marist Brothers’ Junioriate and some other schools until he graduated. He further moved to acquire a university education, where he bagged a degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Acting Career
It can be affirmed that Yul Edochie gets his muse from his father. He attributes his successes to him for his unflinching support in his development, especially in education. Edochie said while he grew up as a child, his dad was “strict to a fault.”
His acting was also influenced by Jim Iyke, Emeka Ike, and many others unmentioned.
His hunger for a productive life drove him to Lagos, where he started his acting career at the age of 23. It was then he starred in his debut movie, “The Exquires”, with the likes of Enebeli Elebuwa and the late Justice Esiri. Later on, he gained popularity in the 2007 film “Wind of Glory”, where Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot were featured. After that, Edochie gained momentum in the movie arena, giving him a reputation of substance.
Yul Edochie has starred in over 100 films portraying numerous characters ranging from ritualists, loverboys, etc.
Again, his villainous roles are the leading reasons some people enjoy his movies. He appeals to realism, making it easy for people to appreciate his quota in the Nollywood industry.
Below are some of the movies he featured in.
- The Exquires (2005)
- Wind of Glory (2007)
- Sleek Ladies (2007)
- Give It Up (2008)
- Kiss my Pain (2008)
- Tears of Hope (2009)
- My Loving Heart (2009)
- Sarafina (2011)
- Zone 9 (2012)
- Bridge of Contract (2012)
- The End is Near (2012)
- Death Certificate (2013)
- The Jezebels (2013)
- Restless Soul (2013)
- Apostles of Lucifer (2014)
- Ojuju Calabar (2015)
- Compound Fools (2015)
- The Affectionate Wife (2017)
- ATM Machine (2017)
- The Billionaires (2018)
- About Time Larry (2021)
- Devil Has Fallen (2021)
- 7 Days to Die (2021)
- Agents of Darkness (2021)
- The Dark Knight (2021)
- Golden Staff of Wealth (2021)
- Soul of a Wife (2022)
Theatrical Academy
Yul Edochie, for some time, became worried about the kind of movies produced by Nollywood. Not just that, his concern was also the vast number of unprofessional rising actors that increasingly flooded the industry. So, on his own, he established a movie academy in 2015 known as “Yul Edochie Academy”, with the sole aim of checkmating the abilities and experience levels of upcoming actors and actresses in Nollywood. He designed this academy to personally groom the next generation of Nollywood actors and actresses to gain recognition in their filming careers.
Family and Wives
In 2004, Yul Edochie married May Aligwe. They are blessed with four children. However, Edochie recently announced via Instagram on 27th April 2022 that he had married a second wife, and they had been blessed with a son. These revelations caused a stir on social media and in his family. Many reactions surfaced, labelling him with disparaging remarks such as “an unfaithful partner” and others. Moreover, many controversies erupted online between men and women, justifying and refuting the actions of Yul Edochie.
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Politics
Despite Pete Edochie avoiding politics, Yul Edochie developed an interest in it. He convinced his father of the need to join politics because of the decrepit state of the nation. After much persuasion, he got his father’s support. He declared openly in July 2017 that he would run for the office of the Governor of his state. His bold declaration was incited because of the bill passed by lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate. Finally, he contested in the November 2017 election and emerged 19th out of 37 candidates that vied for the same position. The incumbent Governor of Anambra later compensated Yul Edochie in 2018 with the political appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative and Entertainment media.
Net Worth
Yul Edochie has an estimated net worth of $1.8 million (N694,170,000) from his successful acting career, business, and politics.
Voice
Flair in acting is the only attribute of Yul Edochie. He is also supernaturally endowed with a baritone voice like James Earl Jones. His voice is much adored by lots of his fans and is most spoken about. “I hear that a lot of people love my voice but honestly, I do not know what I sound like,” he said.
He once gifted a blind fan a huge sum of money for copying his voice.
Philanthropy
Filming is not the only means he gained popularity. He is also a man with a loving heart. In 2011, his heart for philanthropy compelled him to launch the “Yul Edochie Foundation” foundation. It is aimed at helping people in desperate need.
Awards
Yul Edochie’s outstanding performance hoisted him to the apex of his filming career, and his impact on the Nollywood industry recognised him with the following.
- City People Entertainment Awards, 2009- Best New Actor of The Year (English), Winner.
- Nollywood movies Awards, 2012- Best Actor in A Supporting Role, Nominated.
- City People Entertainment Awards, 2013- Best Actor of the Year (English), Winner.
- Pamsaa Awards, 2013- Best Actor, Winner.
- Nollywood Movies Awards, 2014- Best Lead Male, Nominated.
- Afrifimo Awards, 2015- Best Actor, Nominated.
Conclusion
A lot of people believe that Yul Edochie is still in his father’s shadow. This notion is most definitely wrong because Yul Edochie has built his own fame through his hard work and dedication. There is a vast difference between his time and his father’s. He took his time to shape his career as a theatrical genius because he understood the rudiments of his profession. His contributions to the Nollywood industry show the importance of his presence. He deserves some accolades for singlehandedly launching a medium to help the next generation. Yul Edochie has “risen by lifting others.” And for that cause, he has also become an inspiration to many.
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