Remembering Olu Jacobs: 20 Facts About the Nollywood Legend’s Life and Legacy
Veteran actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84. From his early days in Kano, where Hubert Ogunde’s concert party inspired him, Jacobs built a career defined by stagecraft, film and television excellence. He pursued acting in Britain despite his father’s initial opposition, performing on British stages and appearing in television series and international films before returning home. In Nigeria, his role as Inspector Best Idafa in NTA’s The Third Eye introduced him to a new generation of viewers. Jacobs also built a lasting creative partnership with his wife, Joke Silva. Together, they established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, helping to train and support younger talents. His career spanned more than 100 Nigerian films and earned major honours, including an AMAA Best Actor award, an MFR national honour and lifetime achievement awards. His family had previously dismissed repeated death rumours, but his son has now announced his passing and asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
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