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

The name Olu Jacobs has for decades been synonymous with authority, elegance and excellence on stage and screen.

But behind the imposing voice and commanding performances was a man whose journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected actors was filled with rebellion, coincidence, sacrifice, international success, love and an enduring commitment to the arts.

Following his death at 84 on Wednesday, September 16, here are 20 things that tell a less familiar story about Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs.

1. Acting was not the career his father wanted for him

Jacobs’ decision to become an actor was initially met with opposition from his father, who was himself a talented drummer and entertainer but did not see acting as a secure profession for his son.

That did not stop Jacobs.

2. He secretly left Nigeria for Britain to pursue acting

When his father refused to endorse his passport application, Jacobs obtained another form with the help of an uncle. He eventually travelled to Britain without telling his father, knowing he would likely have been stopped.

3. Tobacco helped him win back his father’s heart

After arriving in Britain, Jacobs sent his father a letter explaining why he had disobeyed him. He also sent him his favourite tobacco, St Bruno.

The gesture reportedly softened his father’s anger. Jacobs later recalled that his father was particularly pleased to receive the tobacco.

4. Hubert Ogunde was one of the reasons he became an actor

As a young boy in Kano, Jacobs watched one of Hubert Ogunde’s concert parties at the Colonial Hotel.

The performance made such an impression on him that he decided acting was what he wanted to do for a living.

5. He was already chasing an international career before Nollywood existed

Jacobs did not rise through what is now known as Nollywood. He first built his professional career in Britain at a time when the Nigerian film industry had not yet become the global force it is today.

6. His first stage role was not a starring role

In 1972, Jacobs played The Boy in A Taste of Honey at the newly opened Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

It was an early step in a career that would eventually make him one of Africa’s most recognisable actors.

7. He became a familiar face on British television

Before returning to Nigeria, Jacobs appeared in several British television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.

8. He played an African president on the British stage

In 1978, Jacobs portrayed President Mageeba in Michael Codron’s presentation of Tom Stoppard’s Night and Day.

It was another indication that his career had already moved well beyond the confines of Nigerian entertainment.

9. Hollywood and international cinema were also part of his story

Long before Nigerian actors began routinely appearing in major international productions, Jacobs had already featured in films including Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.

10. He returned to Nigeria after roughly two decades abroad

Jacobs spent about 20 years in Britain before returning to Nigeria.

He later explained that an invitation from the Federal Government encouraged his return and gave him an opportunity to contribute to the country’s developing entertainment industry.

11. His return was not a step down from an international career

Jacobs was already established abroad when he came home.

Rather than simply continuing his career overseas, he returned to build in Nigeria at a time when the country’s modern film industry was taking shape.

12. The Third Eye became one of his important Nigerian television roles

After returning, Jacobs played Inspector Best Idafa in the NTA detective series The Third Eye, one of the roles that helped introduce him to a new generation of Nigerian viewers.

13. He reportedly knew almost immediately that Joke Silva would become his wife

Jacobs met Joke Silva in 1981 during preparations for Wole Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis.

In a later interview, he recalled seeing her walk into a management meeting and telling people around him that she would become his wife.

14. He proposed to Joke Silva in Tunisia

Their relationship eventually moved beyond theatre. Jacobs proposed to Silva while they were in Tunisia during the production of *Ashanti*.

They later married and became one of Nigeria’s best-known acting couples.

15. Their age difference initially concerned Joke Silva’s father

Silva has spoken about the roughly 20-year age difference between them and how her father initially had concerns about the relationship.

Her mother, however, was more accepting, partly because her own parents had a similar age gap.

16. Jacobs encouraged his wife to keep the name “Joke Silva”

This is one of the more revealing details about their marriage.

Silva has said Jacobs advised her not to change her professional name after their marriage because she had already built a career and identity as Joke Silva.

For him, her professional identity did not need to disappear simply because she had become his wife.

17. Their partnership went far beyond marriage

Jacobs and Silva did not stop at acting together.

They built the Lufodo Group and established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their work into production, distribution and professional training.

18. His career eventually stretched across more than 100 Nigerian films

Jacobs became one of the most prolific and recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema, with his filmography running into more than 100 productions.

His characters ranged from traditional rulers and wealthy patriarchs to politicians, businessmen and authority figures.

19. The industry formally recognised his contribution several times

Among his major honours were the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011, the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.

20. Nigerians had already mourned him several times before his actual death

Perhaps the strangest chapter of Jacobs’ later years was the repeated circulation of false reports that he had died.

His family had to dismiss death rumours in 2021 and again in 2024. In 2024, his son Olusoji even provided evidence that his father was alive after another wave of reports.

On Wednesday, however, Olusoji Jacobs announced that the veteran actor had died at 84. His family subsequently asked the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourned.

From a young boy in Kano captivated by Hubert Ogunde to a British-trained actor, international film star, Nigerian screen icon and mentor to younger performers, Olu Jacobs’ story was considerably bigger than the characters he played.