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Olu Jacobs: Facts To Know About Him

The name Olu Jacobs is not new to Nigerians as the veteran Nollywood actor has graced the silver screens for over four decades. He is one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.

Uncle Olu Jacobs as many of his younger colleagues in the industry call him, has paved a successful path for many actors and actresses in the entertainment industry. It is the likes of Olu Jacobs and some other older actors that first went through the hurdles of film production at the time the business was unfavourable.

The veteran actor recently turned 75 and Buzz Nigeria celebrates him by bringing you fast facts about the Septuagenarian you may not have known.

Nollywood will forever remain grateful to the likes of Olu Jacobs and other veterans.

Olu Jacobs’ Biography, Age

Olu Jacobs was born as Oludotun Jacobs on 11 July 1942 in Ogun State, Nigeria to parents Egba Alake. He grew up in Kano and also schooled in the northern state. His love for acting started at a young age when he was a member of the debate and drama society at Holy Trinity school were he got his secondary education. Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at the Colonial Hotel in Kano was what opened his mind to the world of acting.

Acting Career

Thereafter he travelled to England to study arts and enrolled into The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He starred in several British television series and international films between the 1970s and 80s. While he was still in England, he featured in underground TV shows like  Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Goodies -this was in the 70s.

Jacobs went international in the 80s when he starred in movies like; The Dogs of War, directed by John Irvin, Roman Polanski’s adventure-comedy Pirates, those old enough in the 80s would also remember the family adventure film Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, which also featured the veteran actor. Olu Jacobs’ other international works include ‘Barlow at Large,’ ‘The Venturers,’ ‘Angels,’ ‘1990,’ ‘The Tomorrow People,’ ‘The Professionals.’

On television, he was a cast in TVS’s The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983 series). In Nigeria, Olu Jacobs has starred in over 150 Nollywood films.

Today he has become an inspiration to younger actors in the industry as well as aspiring actors.

In 2007, he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and in 2013, he was honoured with the Industry’s Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Wife, Children, Family

Olu Jacobs is not one who leaves his personal life bare to the public. The veteran actor has been married to co-thespian and popular actress, Joke Silva for over 30-years and they are blessed with two sons.

Olu Jacobs and his wife who still uses her maiden name run a school called Lufodu Academy of Performing Arts which caters for upcoming actors.

As expected, so many questions and rumours have been raised regarding his wife’s choice of name. But Olu Jacobs has said on several occasions that he is not bothered about his wife’s usage of her first name for showbiz. According to him, his marriage to Joke should not deny her and her audience her name. Jacobs’ constant defence of his wife over the years gradually put a stop to massive separation rumours by Nigerians.

We cannot deny the fact that we are also among millions of Nigerians in awe of this cute pair whose enviable love life has become an inspiration to young couples. Telling the story of how they met, Jacobs says that he met Joke in 1981 at the Lagos National Theatre. It was during a rehearsal for Wole Soyinka’s  Jero’s Metamorphosis, that he first laid eyes on her and knew they were both meant to be.

Quick Facts

• It may surprise you to know that Jacobs’ parents were initially not in support of his choice of career.
• He has been in the industry since the 1970s till date and has starred in over 120 Nollywood films.
• His first movie titled “Vigilante” was produced by AA production.
• Olu Jacobs joined the Instagram social media platform in 2017, following the footsteps of younger colleagues in the industry.