Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
Olu Jacobs, a pivotal figure in Nollywood, passed away at the age of 84. His wife, actress Joke Silva, confirmed the news and asked for privacy during this difficult time. Born on 11 July 1942, Jacobs studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and enjoyed a career that spanned more than fifty years, featuring prominent roles in productions like My Kingdom and Covert Operation. He was awarded the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor and received the MFR in 2011 for his significant impact on Nigerian cinema. Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. He had been living with Dementia with Lewy bodies, which limited his public appearances. Prior to his death, rumors about his passing had been dismissed.
Key facts
- Olu Jacobs died at the age of 84
- His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, announced his death
- He was born on 11 July 1942
- He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London
- His films include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day
- He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
- In 2011 he received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour
- He and Joke Silva established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts
- In 2021 Silva disclosed his diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies
- His son Soji said in June 2024 that his father was still alive
Entities
Artists
- Olu Jacobs
- Joke Silva
- Soji Jacobs
- Chude Jideonwo
- Chukwunaeme Obiejesi
Institutions
- Nollywood
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- African Movie Academy Awards
- Lufodo Group
- Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts
- BBC Africa
Locations
- Nigeria
- London
- United Kingdom