10 things you may not have known about Olu Jacobs
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career that spanned stage, television and film. Here are 10 things you may not have known about the legendary actor.
1. His full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs Although he was widely known as Olu Jacobs.
2. Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and was 84 at the time of his death on September 16, 2026.
3. He received formal acting training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in England.
4. Before becoming a household name in Nollywood, Jacobs built his career in Britain, working with repertoire theatres and appearing in several British television productions.
5. His television credits included productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
6. Olu Jacobs’ acting career extended beyond Nigeria, with appearances in international film and television productions before and during his years in Nollywood.
7. Olu Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, one of Nigeria’s most recognised performers. They are blessed with two surviving children, both sons named Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs.
8. In 2007, Olu Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, one of the major honours of his career.
9. In 2011, the Nigerian government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contributions.
10. Beyond his 2007 AMAA win, Jacobs received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Olu Jacobs’ decades-long career helped establish him as one of the defining figures of Nigerian theatre, television and film.
.
