Actor Patrick Doyle has pushed back against claims that his ex-wife, actress Ireti Doyle, is more popular than he is.
In an interview on Duke Rants, the 64-year-old alleged that Ireti still uses his surname to remain relevant in Nollywood, despite their divorce.
“Why is Doyle popular? Why did the person revert to Doyle after the separation? Who is responsible for making whom popular? The name predates that person’s emergence. It is okay with me. I do not have a problem with it,” he said.
The actor, who starred in the 2023 Netflix thriller The Black Book, said he gained fame as a teenager and has remained relevant in the entertainment industry for over four decades.
“I have been popular since I was 16. Popularity is not to be measured. How long has she been around? I have been around for 45 years, and I am still around. I was a superstar at the age of 16. I debated against Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president of Nigeria,” he said.
“As of today, I am enjoying my life. I am the one who likes obscurity. Do you see me at parties? It is time for somebody else to shine. I yield. There is nothing to ask.”
Doyle said his goal is no longer popularity but making a lasting impact.
“Being popular is no longer my objective, but being profound is my objective. Being profound in a very relevant and fundamental way is what I am after now,” he stated.
“I can never be defined by her. My body of work is too solid to be defined by anyone.”
Patrick and Ireti Doyle got married in 2004 but separated years later.
In January 2023, Ireti confirmed their divorce in an interview, saying she had to leave the marriage to protect her sanity. They share five children and have remained professionally cordial.
In 2022, Patrick married Olufunmilayo, but kept the union private until March 2023. He has previously said he holds no grudges against Ireti despite their split.
