Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has dismissed the notion that his ex-wife, Ireti Doyle, is more famous than he is, asserting that he gained public recognition decades before she entered the spotlight.
In an interview with The Muvmnt Studio, Doyle argued that Ireti’s continued use of his surname after their separation is a reflection of his longstanding influence.
Responding to the host’s question, “Your ex-wife is more popular than you are, how do you feel about that?” the 64-year-old actor 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. I was a superstar at the age of 16; a champion debater. I debated against Yemi Osinbajo.”
He continued by saying, “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 name at the end of the marriage?”
Doyle also emphasised that his legacy stands independently of anyone else’s influence, pointing to a career that spans more than four decades.
The actor married Iretiola Doyle following the death of his first wife, who passed away from sickle cell complications in 1999. Their divorce was officially confirmed in 2023.
