Who is Olu Jacobs? Key things to know about late veteran actor

Olu Jacobs was a veteran Nigerian actor whose career spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film. The actor, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

His death was announced in a joint statement by his wife, actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji. The family described Jacobs as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle who lived “a life well lived and fought.”

Jacobs was one of the familiar faces of Nigerian entertainment, having built a career that began on stage before taking him to British television and later Nollywood.

Here are key things to know about the late actor:

1. He was born in 1942

Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

His career in the performing arts lasted for more than 50 years.

2. He started his career in theatre

Jacobs began acting on stage in the 1960s before moving into television.

He later worked in British television during the 1970s and 1980s before returning to Nigeria, where he became part of the country’s growing film industry.

3. He trained at RADA

Jacobs studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

His training helped shape his career, and he later appeared in British television productions including The Professionals, The Bill and Dempsey and Makepeace.

4. He became a prominent Nollywood actor

After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a familiar figure in Nollywood from the 1990s.

He appeared in more than 200 films, including Vigilante, Blood Diamond, Omeruah’s Advice, The Dogs of War, Dry and Rattlesnake.

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5. He was known as the ‘Lion of Lufodo’

Jacobs was associated with the nickname ‘Lion of Lufodo’, linked to the Lufodo Group, the media and production company he co-founded with his wife, Joke Silva.

The company became part of the couple’s work in theatre, film and the wider performing arts industry.

6. He was married to Joke Silva

Jacobs married actress Joke Silva in 1989.

Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where they supported the training and development of people in the performing arts.

7. He was known for playing authority figures

Jacobs became recognisable for his deep voice and commanding presence on screen.

He frequently played characters such as kings, chiefs, senior advocates and military generals, roles that became associated with his acting career.

8. He received a national honour

In 2007, Jacobs was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to Nigerian arts and culture.

9. He also contributed to the development of actors

Beyond his work on screen, Jacobs was involved in efforts aimed at improving welfare, structure and intellectual property protection in Nollywood.

Through Lufodo Academy, he and Joke Silva also contributed to the training of actors and other performing arts professionals.

10. He is survived by his family

Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren.

In their statement announcing his death, the family asked the public and media to “respect our family’s privacy at this time.”