Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has said he became diabetic in 1996 and has since developed a better understanding of his health.

Kosoko spoke about his health, the loss of three wives and his early years in theatre during an African A-List interview published on Saturday.

The actor said his experience had taught him to pay attention to his body, although he cautioned against interpreting his comments as a claim that he knew everything about medicine.

“I became diabetic in 1996; I understand my health better than some doctors do. Do not misquote me. I am not saying I know how to do everything, I just do not want to die,” Kosoko said.

Beyond his health, Kosoko discussed the deaths of three wives. He said one of them, the mother of actress Bidemi Kosoko, died during childbirth.

“I lost my wife during childbirth; that’s Bidemi’s mother. I have lost three wives,” he said.

The actor had previously addressed his marriages in an interview on the Honest Bunch podcast. As The Guardian reported in March 2025, he rejected suggestions that his marital history amounted to support for polygamy.

He explained at the time that he had not been married to four women simultaneously. According to him, he lost two wives before marrying another two.

Among his late wives was actress Henrietta Kosoko. The Guardian’s review of entertainment events in 2016 recorded her death on June 6 that year, following a battle with diabetes.

Speaking about raising children, Kosoko urged parents to avoid favouritism and make each child feel equally valued.

“Treat your children equally; let them know they’re equal in your mind,” he said.

Kosoko also traced his acting career to childhood, saying he began theatre in 1964 before establishing his own group eight years later.

“I started theatre at age 10, in 1964, and formed my own group in 1972. I can confidently say that I am one of the pioneers of this industry,” he said.

An earlier Guardian profile documented his work as an actor, director, producer and former president of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners. His screen credits include Taxi Driver, Asiri Nla and Ose Sango.

The actor also discussed how entertainers had adapted to social media despite their initial concerns about it. He acknowledged its usefulness but criticised some of the material people shared online.

His interest in digital media has included education. In July 2022, The Guardian reported his participation in a content creation workshop for Yaba College of Technology students, where he encouraged them to acquire digital skills.

“When social media was coming, we were afraid. But now we use it to our advantage. Some use it uselessly. Must you shake your bumbum and talk about that jargon?” he asked.