Olu Jacobs Biography: Age, Net Worth, Children, First Wife, Movies, Daughter, News, Sickness, Still Alive?
Olu Jacobs Biography – Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, is a legendary Nigerian actor, businessman, and film executive. Born on July 11, 1942, he has build his legacy as one of Africa’s most respected actors.
Over the course of his career, spanning more than four decades, Jacobs has appeared in numerous international movies and television series, making him a household name in Nigeria and beyond.
With his profound impact on the African movie industry, Olu Jacobs is often regarded as a bridge between the old and new generations of actors.
Alongside Pete Edochie, he is considered one of the most influential African actors of all time.
Olu Jacobs Biography
| Wiki Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs |
| Stage Name: | Olu Jacobs |
| Born: | 11 July 1942 (age 82 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Height: | 1,61 m |
| Parents: | Mr and Mrs Jacobs |
| Siblings: | N/A |
| Wife • Spouse: | Joke Silva (m. 1989) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
| Children: | Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs, Dayo Jacobs |
| Occupation: | Actor • TV Personality |
| Net Worth: | US$4.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was raised in a typical Nigerian household by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, who hailed from Egba Alake in Ogun State.
Olu Jacobs was born in Abeokuta, He spent much of his early childhood in Kano. He attended Holy Trinity School, where he was an active member of both the debating and drama societies.
His natural talent for drama and oratory was evident from a young age, laying the foundation for his eventual acting career.
His passion for acting was ignited after attending a performance by the renowned Nigerian playwright and filmmaker, Hubert Ogunde, at the Colonial Hotel in Kano.
This moment inspired young Jacobs to pursue acting as a career. Driven by his newfound ambition, he made a bold move to England to study acting.
After making the decision to chase his acting dreams, Olu Jacobs moved to London, where he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
This prestigious institution is one of the most respected drama schools globally and has trained many of the world’s most successful actors. Jacobs immersed himself in his studies, honing his skills and preparing for a successful career on the global stage.
Career
Olu Jacobs’ acting career began in the United Kingdom, where he lived for many years. After completing his training at the Royal Academy, he started landing roles in various British television shows and series.
In the 1970s, he appeared in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, and The Venturers. His ability to bring depth and emotion to his roles quickly made him a standout performer in the British entertainment scene.
One of his most notable performances came in 1978 when he played the role of President Mageeba in the play Night and Day, written by Tom Stoppard. This performance marked a turning point in his career and helped him gain international recognition.
Although Olu Jacobs found success in the UK, he returned to Nigeria in the 1980s to help develop the fledgling Nollywood movie industry.
Upon his return, he starred in several international films, such as The Dogs of War (1980), Pirates (1986) directed by Roman Polanski, and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985).
Back in Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the pioneers of Nollywood. He was instrumental in shaping the industry during its formative years and is widely respected for his contribution to its growth.
His acting style, which combined elements of British training with Nigerian storytelling traditions, resonated with audiences both in Nigeria and internationally.
Olu Jacobs Movies
Throughout his illustrious career, Olu Jacobs has appeared in over 120 Nollywood movies. His extensive filmography includes both international blockbusters and classic Nigerian movies. Some of his notable movies are:
- The Professionals, 1977
- The Dogs of War, 1980
- Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, 1985
- Pirates, 1986
- Vigilante, 1988
- Iva, 1993
- Onome, 1996
- Aba Riot 1&2, 1999
- The Last Vote, 2001
- Obstacles, 1998
- Dear Sister, 2004
- Eye of the God’s, 2004
- To Love a Stranger, 2005
- Eagle’s Bride, 2005
- Omaliko 1&2 2005
- Dancing Heart, 2006
- Jealous Heart 1&2, 2006
- Before the Sunrise 1&2, 2005
- 21 Days with Christ 1&2, 2005
- Kingdom Apart, 1&2, 2007
- Hidden Treasure, 2008
- Beauty & the Beast 1-3, 2008
- League of Gentlemen 1&2, 2009
- Sacred Lies, 1-4, 2011
- A Better Tomorrow, 1&2, 2011
- Heroes and Zeros, 2012
- Adesuwa, 2012
- Potomanto, 2013
- Dry, 2014
- The Antique, 2014
- Bloody Ring, 2014
- Oloibiri, 2015
- Unviel, 2017
- The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, 2017 and many more.
Olu Jacobs’ contribution to the film industry has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest actors Nollywood has ever seen.
Personal Life
Olu Jacobs is married to fellow Nollywood actress, Joke Silva. The couple got married in 1989 and have been together ever since.
Their union has been celebrated as one of the most successful marriages in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Together, they have three children: Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs, and Dayo Jacobs.
Despite both being public figures, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva have managed to maintain a private and respectful family life.
Joke Silva, in an interview, revealed that her husband has been battling dementia with Lewy body, a condition that has affected his health in recent years.
Is Olu Jacobs Dead?
There have been multiple rumors about Olu Jacobs’ death, especially in recent years due to his health condition. However, these reports have been proven false.
Most recently, rumors surfaced on June 30, 2024, claiming that Olu Jacobs had passed away. This was quickly debunked by popular Nigerian blogger Tunde Ednut, who confirmed that Olu Jacobs is alive and well.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Olu Jacobs has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to the film industry. Some of his most notable awards include:
- Best Actor in a Lead Role for Dancing Heart at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2007.
- National honor of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2013.
- City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Oloibiri at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2017.
Net Worth
Olu Jacobs has enjoyed a long and successful career, and his wealth reflects his hard work and dedication to his talent. His current estimated net worth is around US$4.5 million. This includes earnings from his acting career, endorsements, and business ventures.
Social Media
While Olu Jacobs may not be as active on social media as the younger generation of actors, he maintains a presence on Instagram through the handle @_olujacobs. His account is managed by his family and is used to share updates about his health and career.
FAQ about Olu Jacobs Biography
Q. Who Is Olu Jacobs?
A. Olu Jacobs, whose real name is Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, is a Nigerian actor, businessman, and film executive known for his roles in both British television and Nollywood films. He is regarded as one of the most respected African actors of his generation.
Q. Is Olu Jacobs Still Alive Today?
A. Yes, Olu Jacobs is alive, despite recent rumors about his death. The rumors were debunked by popular blogger Tunde Ednut, who confirmed that the veteran actor is still with us.
Q. How Old is Olu Jacobs?
A. Olu Jacobs is 82 years old. He was born on July 11, 1942.
Q. Who Are Olu Jacobs’ Children?
A. Olu Jacobs has three children with his wife, Joke Silva: Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs, and Dayo Jacobs.
Q. Who Is Olu Jacobs’ Wife?
A. Olu Jacobs is married to Joke Silva, a renowned Nollywood actress. They have been married since 1989 and continue to be one of the most iconic couples in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Olu Jacobs’ career and life story stand as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. His influence on the Nigerian movie industry and his contribution to African cinema will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.