Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle claims he made his ex-wife, Ireti Doyle, famous, as he has achieved stardom since his teens.
He argued his ex-wife’s decision to retain his surname after their divorce was because he is more popular.
He stated that he became a star at the age of 16, long before his ex-wife became famous.
In a recent interview with The Muvmnt Studio, the actor stressed that he can never be defined by his ex-wife or anyone else, adding that he has solid credentials.
The host asked:
“Your ex-wife is more popular than you are, how do you feel about that?”
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Doyle replied: “I have been popular since I was 16. How long has she been around? I have been around for 45 years and I’m still around. Was a superstar at the age of 16; a champion debater. I debated against Yemi Osinbajo.
“I can never be defined by her. My body of work is too solid to be defined by any human being, living or dead. Why is the name Doyle popular? Why didn’t she revert and change her name at the end of the marriage?”
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Dolyle married Iretiola Doyle after he lost his first wife to sickle cell anaemia in 1999. The couple confirmed their divorce in 2023.
Just last month, Patrick Doyle criticised the attitude of upcoming actors, saying that pride will ultimately destroy their career even before it kicks off.
In a recent interview on the Nollywood On Radio, the screen veteran slammed young actors for developing “character problems” and behaving as though they are entitled to special treatment, despite being relatively new to the industry.
Doyle, 64, was shocked that actors in their 20s and 30s employ personal assistants (PAs) for basic tasks, such as handing them water or even untying their shoelaces.
“I have seen young actors, young people who just started acting two years ago, they have what they call PA who brings water to them in a cup and puts it in their mouth. These are young people in their mid to late twenties, early thirties and somebody is bending down to untie your shoelace,” he said.
