Olu Jacobs: 20 things you may not know about late Nollywood legend

From secretly travelling to Britain to pursue acting to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, Olu Jacobs lived a remarkable life that spanned theatre, television, international cinema and Nollywood.

The death of veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs at 84 has brought renewed attention to the remarkable life and career of one of the country’s most respected performers. According to P.M. News Nigeria, Jacobs’ journey from Kano to international theatre, television and cinema was marked by determination, sacrifice and remarkable achievements.

• His father opposed acting: Jacobs’ father, a drummer and entertainer, initially considered acting an unsuitable career for his son.

• He secretly travelled to Britain: After his father refused to support his passport application, Jacobs obtained another form with his uncle’s help and left Nigeria without informing him.

• Tobacco helped reconcile him with his father: Jacobs sent his father a letter explaining his decision, along with his favourite St Bruno tobacco.

• Hubert Ogunde inspired him: As a young boy in Kano, Jacobs watched one of Ogunde’s concert parties and became convinced that acting was his calling.

• He began his international career before Nollywood: Jacobs established himself professionally in Britain before Nigeria’s modern film industry emerged.

• His first stage role was modest: In 1972, he played The Boy in A Taste of Honey at Sheffield’s newly opened Crucible Theatre.

• He appeared on British television: His credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.

• He played an African president: In 1978, Jacobs portrayed President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s Night and Day.

• He appeared in international films: His film credits included Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.

• He returned to Nigeria: Jacobs spent roughly two decades in Britain before returning home to contribute to the developing entertainment industry.

• He returned as an established actor: His move back to Nigeria was not a retreat from international success but an opportunity to help build the local industry.

• He starred in The Third Eye: Jacobs played Inspector Best Idafa in the NTA detective series.

• He met Joke Silva in 1981: The pair met during preparations for Wole Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis.

• He proposed in Tunisia: Jacobs proposed to Silva while they were in Tunisia during the production of Ashanti.

• Their age difference initially raised concerns: Silva’s father reportedly had reservations about their roughly 20-year age gap.

• He encouraged Silva to retain her professional name: Jacobs reportedly advised his wife to continue using the name Joke Silva after their marriage.

• They built an arts empire together: The couple established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

• He appeared in more than 100 productions: Jacobs became one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema, portraying authority figures, traditional rulers, businessmen and politicians.

• He received major honours: His awards included an Africa Movie Academy Award, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, an AMVCA Industry Merit Award and an AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award.

• He survived several false death reports: His family dismissed reports of his death in 2021 and 2024. His son, Olusoji, later confirmed that Jacobs died at 84 on September 16, 2026.