The family of Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs has confirmed the actor’s passing.
Jacobs, born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, built a career spanning decades, becoming one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film. His work helped shape modern Nollywood, with performances across some of the industry’s most popular and culturally significant productions.
Jacobs began his acting journey as a member of the Drama Society at Holy Trinity School in Kano before moving to England, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He subsequently appeared in a number of British television shows and films before returning to Nigeria and establishing himself as a leading figure in the country’s growing film industry.
In 2007, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Jacobs was married to fellow actor Joke Silva, with whom he had two children.
