10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Late Olu Jacobs

While many Nigerians know him for his unforgettable roles in Nollywood, there is much more to the man who became one of the most recognisable faces in African cinema.

Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the late Olu Jacobs.

His real name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs was born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, in Kano. He died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, according to his family.

He was inspired to become an actor after watching Hubert Ogunde
Jacobs’ interest in acting reportedly grew after he watched one of the annual concert parties organised by legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde at the Colonial Hotel in Kano. The experience encouraged him to pursue acting.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Before becoming a Nollywood icon, Jacobs travelled to England and trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His professional career therefore began long before the modern Nollywood industry emerged.

He was already a television actor in Britain
Jacobs appeared in several British television productions in the 1970s. His credits included The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.

He appeared in Hollywood and international films
His career was not limited to Nigeria and Britain. Jacobs appeared in international productions including Ashanti, The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.

He had a career in theatre before Nollywood
Jacobs was a trained stage actor and performed in British theatre productions. His stage credits included Richard’s Cork Leg, Julius Caesar and Night and Day.

He was more than an actor
Jacobs was also a writer, stage director and producer. His career, according to Lufodo, spanned about five decades and included more than 300 Nigerian films.

He co-founded the Lufodo Group with Joke Silva
Jacobs and his wife, actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing-arts company. The organisation also operates the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has trained people in Nigeria’s creative industry.

He received a national honour from the Nigerian government
In 2011, Jacobs was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), recognising his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry.

He had been the subject of death rumours before
Ironically, Jacobs had been repeatedly declared dead on social media before his actual death. In June 2024, his family publicly dismissed another death rumour and confirmed that he was alive. His family announced his death on September 16, 2026.

From British television and international films to Nigerian theatre and Nollywood, Olu Jacobs built a career that crossed borders and generations. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigerian entertainment.