Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was a legendary Nollywood actor and film maker – now dead at the age of 84. His son Olusoji Jacobs announced his demise earlier today, September 16, 2026.
Here are the 8 things you probably didn’t know about this movie maverick.
- Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano State, Nigeria. But there is a little dispute to this fact, with some historical sources claiming that he was born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
- His full name is Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, but he was popularly called Olu Jacobs.
- In 1964 he travelled to United Kingdom and enrolled in the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating two years later in 1966.
- Olu Jacobs acted many drama in London and across United Kingdom, featuring both on the British theatre and on the television. Some of the popular TV shows he featured include The Goodies , The Professionals , and Till Death Us Do Part . He also featured in number of international films such as The Dogs of War and Pirates around 1980s.
- Olu Jacobs became one of the best actors in Nollywood upon his return from London. He appeared on more than 130 Nollywood movies, making him a household name during his prime.
- He married a veteran actress Joke Silva whom he met through theatre and the two wedded in 1989. The couple worked together in the entertainment industry and were associated with Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
- The actor received numerous awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role which was conferred on him in 2007 for his role in the Dancing Heart . In 2011, he was honoured with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Two years later, in 2013, Olu Jacobs received AMVCA Industry Merit Award.
- Olu Jacobs died today, September 16, 2026 at the age of 84. His son, Olusoji, announced his passing, describing the actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”