Biography of Olu Jacobs
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, known professionally as Olu Jacobs, is an internationally known Nigerian actor and film producer. Having over five decades of professional acting experience, he is regarded as a world class actor. Olu Jacobs has contributed immensely to the success of Nollywood.
Early life and background of Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs was born on the 11th of July, 1942 in Kano State, Nigeria to parents who hails from Egba Alake, Ogun state. Growing up in Kano state, he attended Holy Trinity school where he was a member of the debating and drama societies. He was inspired to go into acting having attended one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at Colonial Hotel in Kano. Afterwards, he obtained a visa and travelled to England to gain knowledge about acting.
His Acting Career
He enrolled to study Theatre Arts at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Upon graduation from the acting school, he began acting in movies. He featured in several British television series and international films between the 1970s and 80s ( The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People, The Professionals). The veteran actor rose to prominence after starring in movies like; The Dogs of War, directed by John Irvin, Roman Polanski’s adventure-comedy Pirates, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, Barlow at Large,’ ‘The Venturers,’ ‘Angels,’ ‘1990,’ ‘The Tomorrow People,’ ‘The Professionals.’ On television, he was a cast in TV series The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983 series). Olu Jacobs has featured in over 120 Nollywood movies. The leading actor ranks as one of the top Nollywood actors. The Nollywood star who has graced the silver screen for years has paved a successful path for many actors and actresses in the entertainment industry
Olu Jacobs Relationship and Family Life
Olu Jacobs is married to popular actress, Joke Silva. They’ve been married for 31 years and they’re blessed with children and grandchildren. The lovebirds met in 1981 at the Lagos National Theatre. It was during a rehearsal for Wole Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis, that he first laid his eyes on her and knew they were meant to be together.
Questions have risen countless number of times regarding his wife’s choice to keep her maiden name. He has come out on several occasions to state that he is not bothered about his wife’s usage of her first name for showbiz. According to the legendary actor, his marriage to Joke should not deny her and her audience her name. The thespian and his wife operates a school called Lufodu Academy of Performing Arts which caters for upcoming actors.
Awards and Nominations
Best Actor in a Lead Role, ‘Dancing Heart’ African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2007
National Honours of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), President Goodluck Jonathan, 2011
Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, 2013
City People Movie, Life Time Achievement Award, 2015
Lifetime Achievement Awards along with his wife, Joke, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2016
Best Actor in a Supporting Role, ‘Oloibiri’ African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2017
Olu Jacobs Net Worth
Olu Jacobs is regarded as one of the greatest and highly revered African actors in Nollywood. He has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million dollars.
