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Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
Reports of the legendary actor’s death emerged on Wednesday, September 16, bringing an end to a remarkable acting career that spanned several decades and crossed theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs developed an interest in acting at an early age before travelling to the United Kingdom to pursue professional training. He studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), an experience that helped lay the foundation for his long and distinguished career.
Jacobs began his professional acting journey in theatre before moving into British television and international film. One of his earliest recorded stage appearances was in 1972, when he played The Boy in A Taste of Honey at the newly opened Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
He subsequently appeared in several British television productions during the 1970s. His credits included The Goodies, Till Death Do Us Apart, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
His work was not limited to television and theatre. Olu Jacobs also appeared in international films such as The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates. These appearances further demonstrated his versatility and ability to work across different forms of screen and stage production.
Jacobs later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the prominent actors in the country’s developing film industry. He went on to feature in numerous Nollywood productions, earning widespread recognition for his portrayal of authoritative, sophisticated and complex characters.
Over the years, his performances and contribution to the arts earned him several honours. In 2011, he received the Nigerian national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
He was also honoured by the African film industry, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival in 2021.
Away from his acting career, Olu Jacobs was closely associated with veteran actress Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989. The couple have two children and became one of Nigeria’s most recognised celebrity couples, with both playing significant roles in the country’s entertainment industry.
Jacobs’ death marks the passing of a major figure whose career connected Nigerian entertainment with theatre and international screen productions.
For generations of viewers, his commanding performances and distinctive presence made him one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian cinema.
His extensive body of work across theatre, television and film leaves behind a significant legacy in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Olu Jacobs was 84.
