Olu Jacobs real names are Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs. He is a Nollywood veteran actor, was born to parents from Egba Alake in Ogun state ,South West Nigeria on July 11, 1942.
He spent his early childhood in Kano and attended Holy Trinity School where he was a member of the debating and drama societies
He was inspired to take a chance with acting when he attended one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at Colonial Hotel in Kano.
Afterwards, he secured a visa and travelled to England to study acting.
In England, Jacobs trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. One of his earliest stage roles was to play the part of The Boy in ‘A Taste of Honey’ at the newly opened Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, in 1972. He then appeared in various British television shows and series in the 1970s (including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals).
In 1978, he played the role of President Mageeba in Michael Codron’s presentation of Sir Tom Stoppard’s play Night and Day.
In the 1980s Jacobs appeared in several international films, including John Irvin’s war film The Dogs of War, Roman Polanski’s adventure-comedy Pirates (1986) and the family-adventure film Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)
Jacobs is married to Nollywood actress Joke Silva since 1989. They have children.
The actor has acted in over 200 movies both locally and internationally. He also starred in several British television series before he returned to Nigeria to act in the Nollywood industry.
Awards and Recognition
Veteran actor, Olu Jacobs is a multi-award winner both locally and internationally for his professional achievements.
Some of the awards and recognition the popular and well-loved actor has received throughout his acting careers are listed below:
Most Prominent Actor in Nigeria at the African Magic viewers choice awards
Best Actor of the year at the Golden Icon Movie Academy Awards
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
Nollywood most promising Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards, 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
Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the movie industry at the AFRIFF Globe Awards, 2021
Some of the movies he has acted in over the years are listed below:
Days of Gloom
Sacred lies
The Royal Hibiscus hotel
The seekers
Dry
Pirates
The Dogs of War
Ashanti
Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend
Potomanto
Piece of my Soul
League of Gentlemen
A Can of Worms
Aba Riot
Mission To Africa
Unconditional Love
Private Sin
House Party
To love a Stranger
Soul on Fire
Arsenal
The God to Serve
The kingmaker
A time to Die
One Bullet
Jealous Heart
Royal Doom
Slave to Lust
Secret Pledge
Show Me, Heaven
The professionals
The last Vote
Before the Sunrise
21 days with Christ
Beauty and the Beast
Hidden Treasure
The Antique
Obstacles
Dancing Heart
Dear Sister
Kingdom Apart
Omaliko
Onome
Heroes and Zeros
Unveil
Women in Poer
Ultimate Crisis
Eye of the Gods
Turn Table
Real Love
