Nollywood veteran actor Olu Jacobs passes away at 84

For generations of African film audiences, Olu Jacobs was more than a familiar face on screen. He was a stage-trained performer, a commanding actor and one of the stars whose career connected classical theatre, British television and Nollywood.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that remarkable journey came to an end.

Olu Jacobs died at 84, according to a family announcement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked the public to respect its privacy as relatives mourn.

In the announcement, Olusoji described his father’s life as “well lived and fought”, marking the end of a career that spanned decades and crossed international borders.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He began his professional career in theatre and television before becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected screen actors.

His early international credits included appearances in British television productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.

But it was in Nigeria that Jacobs became a household name.

As the country’s film industry developed into what is now known globally as Nollywood, Jacobs established himself as one of its most recognisable and respected performers. His commanding presence and extensive stage experience made him a sought-after actor across film and television.

His work earned him some of the industry’s major honours. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a lifetime achievement award in 2016.

The Nigerian government also honoured Jacobs with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 in recognition of his contribution to the country’s entertainment industry.

Away from acting, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were important figures in Nigeria’s performing arts community. Through Lufodo Productions and their other creative ventures, the couple contributed to the development of theatre and film in the country.

Jacobs’ final years were also marked by an unusual problem, repeated false reports of his death.

Death rumours involving the actor circulated several times over the years, including in 2024. His family repeatedly dismissed the reports and confirmed that he was alive.

That history made Wednesday’s announcement particularly significant. This time, the news came directly from Jacobs’ family.

Olusoji Jacobs appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.

From the stages of Britain to Nigerian television and the rise of Nollywood, Olu Jacobs built a career that crossed generations and borders. His death marks the end of one of the most enduring careers in Nigerian entertainment.

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