Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has spoken candidly about the unintended impact of celebrity on his family life, revealing that his daughter was bullied in school because of his public profile.
In an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Udokwu recounted how senior students targeted his daughter while she was in Junior Secondary School 1 at Queens College.
According to him, the bullying stemmed solely from her identity as his child. He said the experience was painful at the time, even though his daughter can now look back on it with laughter.
Udokwu explained that he and his wife made a deliberate decision to enrol their children in public schools. He said the goal was to give them a balanced upbringing and shield them from the distractions that could come with having a well-known parent.
The actor noted that his own educational background influenced that choice. He attended St. Peters Primary School in Enugu and Oraukwu Grammar School in Anambra before earning a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt.
Udokwu rose to national prominence after starring in the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, a production widely regarded as a defining moment in modern Nollywood.
Beyond acting, he currently serves as Special Assistant on Entertainment, Tourism and Culture to the Governor of Anambra State.
Udokwu, who is married to Cassandra Joseph, said his family remains close-knit despite the challenges that came with public life.
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