Pete Edochie, (born March 7, 1947) is a Nigerian Actor popularly known for his role as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s novel, ''Things Fall Apart''. Referred as one of Africa’s greatest Actors and the Doyen of Nollywood, Edochie received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards; and was honored in 2014 with the Industry Merit Award at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award. Edochie was conferred the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger in 2003 by Presdent Olusegun Obasanjo
Born in Enugu, Nigeria, Edochie spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in Zaria, Kaduna State. He attended St. Patrick’s and St. James’s primary school, Zaria, and St. John’s secondary school, Kaduna. Upon graduation from secondary school, Edochie joined the Eastern Broadcasting Corporation. He later worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation and was the pioneer Director of Programmes at the Anambra Broadcasting Service
A seasoned broadcaster. Edochie, came into prominence with his role as Okonkwo in the 1980’s screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s novel, ''Things Fall Apart'', by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Edochie’s has starred in over 200 Nigerian films. His other notable works include: ''Igodo'', ''Oracle'', ''Narrow Escape'', ''Full Moon'', ''Rituals'', ''Evil Men'', ''The Egg'', ''Living in Darkness'', ''Chain Reaction'', ''Oduduwa'', ''Set Up'', ''Lost Kingdom'', ''Last Ofalla'', ''Lion of Africa'', ''Battle Line'', ''Rejected Son'', ''My Love'', ''Terrible Sin'', ''Greedy Genius'', ''Tears and Sorrows'', ''Egg of Life'', ''Arrows'', ''The Omega'', ''Billionaires Club'', ''Negative Influence'', ''My Desire'', ''King of the Jungle'', ''Coronation'', ''Dons in Abuja'', ''Dog’s Meeting'', ''The Staff of Odo'', ''Across the Niger'', ''The Tyrant'', ''Sacred Tradition'', ''Living in Tears'', ''No More War'', ''Azima'', ''Zoza'', ''Ola: The Morning Sun'', ''Naked Wrestler'', ''Tiger King'', ''Knight of the Night'', ''Royal Wives'', ''Kingdom Against Kingdom'', ''End of Kingdom Against Kingdom'', ''Hour of Mercy'', ''The Sinners'', ''Passage of Kings'', ''Holy Cross'', ''Fair Game'', ''Greatest Harvest'', ''Heavy Battle'', ''Billionaire’s Son'', ''The Lions'', ''The Warriors'', ''Sins of Our Forefathers'', and ''John and John''.
Edochie is married with six children. He is the father of Actors, Yul and Linc Edochie. He is the Brother-In-Law of Actress, Rita Edochie, and Uncle to the late Actor, Muna Obiekwe. On August 16, 2009, Edochie was kidnapped, and released on August 17, 2009. In 2017, Edochie endorsed and appeared in a campaign for Wikimedia.
