Olu Jacobs Biography

Olu Jacobs Biography – Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, professionally known as Olu Jacobs, was born on July 11, 1942, and is a distinguished Nigerian actor and film executive. His career began with roles in several British television series and international films. Olu Jacobs is often regarded as one of the founding figures of Nollywood, alongside Pete Edochie, as described by Vanguard. He studied at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in England and worked with various repertory theatres in Britain, featuring in numerous international movies.

In 2007, Olu Jacobs received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also won the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Profile

• Full Name – Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs
• Date of birth – born on July 11, 1942
• Nationality – Nigeria
• Occupation – Actor
• Spouse – Joke Silva
• Parents – Olu Jacobs was born to parents from Egba Alake

Olu Jacobs Early Life and Education

Olu Jacobs was born to parents from Egba Alake. He spent his early years in Kano and attended Holy Trinity School, where he participated in debating and drama societies. Inspired by Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at the Colonial Hotel in Kano, he decided to pursue acting. He later traveled to England to study at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. One of his first stage roles was in “A Taste of Honey” at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1972. Olu Jacobs appeared in various British TV shows in the 1970s, including “The Goodies,” “Till Death Us Do Part,” and “The Professionals.” In 1978, he portrayed President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s play “Night and Day.”

During the 1980s, Olu Jacobs acted in several international films, such as “The Dogs of War,” “Pirates,” and “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.” He also featured in the TV series “The Witches and the Grinnygog” and, upon returning to Nigeria in 1990, starred in the NTA detective series “The Third Eye.” Olu Jacobs has since appeared in over 120 Nollywood films and is considered one of the industry’s leading actors. He has also appeared in commercials for Ribena and Binatone.

Olu Jacobs Career

In the UK, Olu Jacobs was featured in various British television shows and dramas, including “The Goodies,” “Till Death,” and “Angels.” He decided to pursue acting after attending Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party in Kano in 1970. In 1971, Old Jacobs joined the entertainment industry, debuting in “Murderous Angels” in London. In 1978, he played President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s “Night and Day.” As a pioneer in Nollywood, Jacobs significantly contributed to the industry’s growth, starring in over 250 films, including “Ashanti,” “The Dogs of War,” “Pirates,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” He is the CEO of Royal Arts Academy, a film school dedicated to training actors, directors, producers, and other movie professionals.

Olu Jacobs Personal Life and Family

Olu Jacobs has been married to fellow Nollywood actor Joke Silva since 1989, and they have two children. When asked why Silva retains her maiden name, Olu Jacobs explained that she is her individual, known professionally as Joke Silva before their marriage. Together, they founded the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that includes film production and distribution, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

In 2021, false rumors of Olu Jacobs’ death circulated until he appeared at Afriff in November 2021, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His wife later disclosed in an interview that Olu Jacobs is battling Dementia with Lewy bodies.

Olu Jacobs Filmography

• The Professionals (1979)
• Squadron (1982)
• The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983)
• Rumpole of the Bailey (1983)
• The Goodies (1971).Till Death Us Do Part (1974)
• Barlow at Large (1975)
• The Venturers (1975)
• Angels (1976)
• The Tomorrow People.(1975)
• Play for Today (1984)
• The Third Eye (1990)

Olu Jacobs Accolades

Olu Jacobs was honored with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In August 2022, he and his wife were presented with an icon award and a membership certificate by the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS).