Renowned Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has shared insights into the difficulties his children encountered while growing up in the public eye due to his fame.
In a recent interview with WithChude, Udokwu revealed that his daughter faced bullying at Queens College, simply because she is the child of a prominent actor. He recounted that while she was in Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1), senior students would single her out and scold her solely for being his daughter.
Reflecting on the period, Udokwu explained that he and his wife intentionally chose to enroll their children in public schools to provide them with a “normal” upbringing, away from distractions associated with his celebrity status. “I did not want to be in their face so that I do not distract them. We agreed they were going to go to public school, because I also attended public schools,” he said.
Udokwu emphasized that while the experiences were challenging at the time, they are now a source of laughter and perspective for his family. “Today when we talk about it, she will laugh. But it was not funny. She was in JSS 1,” he added.
The actor, who began his educational journey at St. Peters Primary School in Enugu and later attended Oraukwu Grammar School in Anambra, went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
Udokwu launched his Nollywood career in 1992 with the iconic film ‘Living in Bondage’ and has since become a respected figure in the industry. He currently serves as Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Entertainment, Tourism, and Culture.
He is married to Cassandra Joseph, and the couple has two children. Udokwu’s reflections highlight the balance he has sought between professional success and ensuring a grounded upbringing for his family, showing the personal challenges that can come with celebrity status.
