The acting talent flows in his blood; he got enough mentorship and courage to pursue his Nollywood dream from his family. Yul Edochie put in all his natural virtues to succeed in the Nigerian movie industry, and reaped it bountifully. Walking in the footsteps of his father – at least professionally – has paid him off.
Yul Edochie is a successful Nollywood actor, politician, and businessman; whose deep, booming voice and self-assured carriage remains unforgettable. He has courted quite a good deal of controversies due to marital issues. Nevertheless, he has the charisma that keeps thousands of fans attracted to him. Join us as we highlight the life and career of notable Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie, in this article.
Who is Yul Edochie? – A Brief History
Born in January 1982, Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie is the son of veteran legendary Nigerian actor, Pete Edochie. He hails from Anambra state in southeast Nigeria; but was raised both in Lagos and Enugu. Yul Edochie was named after renowned Russian actor Yul Brynner. He is the last child of six children (he has four brothers and a sister).
Between the years 1984 and 1992, Yul Edochie attended Lillian’s Day Nursery School and Robinson Street Primary School in Enugu. His secondary school education was quite fractured, as he went to four secondary schools successively in Enugu up until 1998. Namely Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Uturu University Secondary School, Ecumenical Community Secondary School, and New Haven Boys Secondary School.
Then he proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts. Yul Edochie also married quite early at 22 years old, to May Aligwe (in 2004).
Yul Edochie: His Acting Career
In 2005, Yul Edochie featured in his first-ever Nollywood role in the movie, The Exquires. The film also featured well-known Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme and late veteran actor Justus Esiri. Again in 2007, Yul Edochie starred in the movie Wind of Glory (featuring Desmond Elliot and Genevieve Nnaji). The latter movie brought him and his acting prowess into national recognition. From that point onwards, there was no turning back for him. From one Nollywood movie to another, Yul Edochie began to shine in prominent acting roles.
Yet again, it dawned on Yul Edochie to help in grooming the next generation of Nigerian actors and actresses. Thus in the year 2015, he set up the Yul Edochie Academy in Lagos to that end. Before then, Yul Edochie declared his remorse concerning an observed decline in the quality and professionalism of emerging Nigerian actors and actresses.
Between 2005 and 2020, Yul Edochie featured in well over 50 Nollywood movies. They include the following:
- Battle of Lions (2020)
- My New Wife (2020)
- Prince Charming (2020)
- True Royal Blood (2020)
- Click Me (2020)
- Big Paper Boys (2020)
- Painful Will (2020)
- Run (2020)
- The Single Lady Next Door (2020)
- Moms at War (2018)
- The Billionaire That Ran Mad (2018)
- The Cruel Hand of Justice (2018)
- Enemies Must Bow (2018)
- Rich But No Rest of Mind (2017)
- Love Do Cost A Thing (2017)
- Punishment of the Gods (2017)
- Not an Ordinary Battle (2017)
- The God that Answereth by Fire (2017)
- My Sons Jealous Friends (2017)
- My Bad Criminal Sister (2017)
- The True Heir to the Throne (2017)
- Tears of Royal Blood (2017)
- Mysterious Family (2017)
- What I Fear Most (2017)
- Vanity of Life (2017)
- Tears of Victory (2017)
- The Prince and His Betrothed (2017)
- Rain of Hope (2016)
- The Secret of Riches (2016)
- The Chosen Wife (2016)
- Wicked Hand (2016)
- Cry of a Maid (2016)
- Mysterious Mistress (2016)
- Royal Maid (2015)
- Compound Fools (2015)
- Dowry Man (2015)
- Spirit of Battle (2014)
- The Mirror (2014)
- Innocent Couple (2016)
- Apostles of Lucifer (2014)
- Python Queen (2014)
- Eye of the Eagle (2013)
- Blind Choice (2013)
- Death Certificate (2013)
- Money Kingdom (2013)
- Restless Soul (2013)
- Bridge of Contract (2012)
- The End is Near (2012)
- Against the Law (2012)
- Sarafina (2011)
- Pleasure and Crime (2011)
- Unstoppable (2010)
- Tears of Hope (2009)
- My Loving Heart (2009)
- Kiss My Pain (2008)
- Wind of Glory (2007)
- Sleek Ladies (2007)
- The Exquires (2005)
He also starred in some notable television series, the likes of The Palace, Royal Castle, and Tinsel.
Yul Edochie: Industry Awards
Yul Edochie has earned a number of notable industry awards. He is a two-time recipient of the City People Entertainment Award for Best New Actor. His awards include the underlisted:
- 2009 City People Entertainment Awards: Best New Actor of the Year (English)
- 2013 City People Entertainment Awards: Best New Actor of the Year (English)
- 2013 Pamsaa Awards: Best Actor
Yul Edochie’s Net Worth (2023)
Yul Edochie is currently one of the richest Nollywood actors. He is a media executive, and is also involved in real estate. He has also been a brand ambassador for notable Nigerian brands (past and present) such as Life lager beer, Paint Roxettes, ‘Brother’s Keeper’ (a project of Citizen Journalists Network), and Oros perfume. According to findings from sources such as Forbes and Business Insider, the actor has an estimated net worth of about 5 million US Dollars (as of 2024).
Yul Edochie’s Foray into Politics
In July 2017, Yul Edochie declared his intention to run for governorship of his state, Anambra state. He subsequently picked a nomination form under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in August 2017. He emerged the flag bearer for governorship under the party. However, the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, contested for a re-election and won a second term.
Yul Edochie: Personal Life
Yul Edochie got married to May Aligwe in 2004. Their marriage produced four children namely Danielle, Kambili, Karl and Victory. However, the actor married a second wife, an industry colleague named Judy Austin in 2022. The second marriage produced a son named Star Dike Munachimso.
Right from the time Yul Edochie announced his intention to marry a second wife, he has been embroiled in controversies. His first wife, May, refused to accept staying in a polygamous marriage. It has led to a protracted legal case of possible divorce from his first wife (still ongoing). Quite unfortunately, Yul Edochie also lost his first son, Kambili in March 2023 while the controversy raged on.
In January 2023, the actor announced his intention to start an online Christian ministry namely True Salvation Ministry.
