Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, commonly recognized as Olu Jacobs, is a Nigerian thespian and film producer. He has appeared in numerous British television dramas and global films.
Olu Jacobs is celebrated by many as one of the foremost and most esteemed African actors of his era.
Alongside Pete Edochie, he is regarded by various media, film critics, commentators, and fellow actors as one of the most impactful African actors in history, and is widely viewed as a cultural icon.
Profile overview
Complete name: Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs
Also known as: Olu Jacobs
Sex: Male
Date of birth: 11 July 1942
Age: 79 years old as of 2021
Birthplace: Abeokuta Ogun state
Active years: 1970 to present
Nationality: Nigerian
Marital status: Married to Joke Silva
Occupation: Acting
Olu Jacobs Biography
Jacobs has left an indelible impact on Nigeria’s film industry.
With over 40 years of acting experience, he is viewed as a connector between the seasoned and emerging actors.
Educated at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in England, he collaborated with various repertory theaters in Britain and starred in several international films.
In 2007, he received the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Olu Jacobs has established himself as a patriarch in Nollywood, creating pathways for many upcoming actors and actresses in the industry.
His passion for acting was ignited by the late legendary filmmaker, Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at the Colonial Hotel in Kano; subsequently, he moved to England to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
He has been characterized as ‘one of Nollywood’s finest performers, the best role interpreter, and the finest manipulator of language’. For his commitment to his acting career spanning over five decades, he was awarded the Industry Merit Award for exceptional achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.’
Olu Jacobs’s Wife
Olu Jacobs has been wed to veteran actress Joke Silva since 1989. The couple founded and manages the Lufodo Group, a media enterprise that includes film production, distribution assets, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
They have children. When asked why his wife continues to use her maiden name, Jacobs responded: “She is her own person. When I met her, she was an actress known as Joke Silva, so why should marrying me deny her, and her audience, her name? She is Miss Joke Silva who is Mrs. Joke Jacobs. It’s just that simple.
People now start to say whatever they wish. They have even claimed that we are separated and all sorts of things. When she is working, she is Joke Silva, but she is Mrs. Joke Jacobs at home.”
Olu Jacobs Death Rumours
In 2020, there were speculations about Jacobs’ passing; however, actress Kemi Lala Akindoju dismissed these claims.
Education
Olu Jacobs attended Holy Trinity School in Kano, after which he moved to England to study Theatre Arts at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), London.
Early Life
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs was born to parents from Egba Alake. He spent his formative years in Kano and attended Holy Trinity School, where he participated in the debating and drama clubs.
His inspiration to pursue acting came from attending one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert parties at Colonial Hotel in Kano. After that, he acquired a visa and traveled to England to study acting.
Net Worth
Olu Jacobs reportedly has an estimated net worth of $2 million.
Even in his advanced years, Olu Jacobs continues to hold significance in the film industry and is regarded among the very best; although he rarely acts in films nowadays, he has certainly earned his place and is seen as a successful actor.
