Veteran actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has opened up about the challenges his children faced growing up with a celebrity parent.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Udokwu revealed that his daughter was bullied in secondary school, with senior students targeting her because of his fame.
“I have a good family. My kids are grown now. Being born and seeing your father is popular. And growing with all the inconveniences and all that,” he said.
“I remember when my daughter was in Queens College, some senior students were just punishing her for just being my daughter.
“Today when we talk about it, she will laugh. But it was not funny. She was in JSS 1.”
Udokwu shared that he and his wife made a conscious decision to raise their children in public schools, wanting them to experience a normal upbringing and avoid distractions linked to his public image.
He said the decision was influenced by his own background, having attended public schools himself.
“And 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 added.
The actor’s educational journey includes St. Peters Primary School in Enugu, Oraukwu Grammar School in Anambra, and a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port-Harcourt.
Udokwu rose to prominence with the 1992 film “Living in Bondage” and currently serves as Special Assistant on Entertainment, Tourism and Culture to the governor of Anambra State.
Udokwu is married to Cassandra Joseph, and they have two children together.
