How Olu Jacobs turned his passion for acting into a legendary career
By Trizer Lijondo, September 17, 2026Olu Jacobs’ journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors began with a fascination for the stage that eventually took him from Kano to Britain and, later, to the heart of Nollywood.
The veteran actor, who died on September 16, 2026, aged 84, built a career spanning theatre, British television, international films and Nigerian cinema. According to Channels Television, his career stretched for more than five decades, making him one of the performers who helped connect Nigerian entertainment with international audiences.
A passion sparked in Kano
Jacobs spent part of his childhood in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School and participated in drama and debating activities. His interest in acting grew after watching legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde perform at the Colonial Hotel in Kano.
According to Premium Times, the experience inspired Jacobs to pursue acting despite his father’s wishes for him to follow a different career path. He eventually travelled to England, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
His professional career began on stage, with one of his early roles being The Boy in A Taste of Honey at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1972. He later appeared in several British television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People.
From international screens to Nollywood
Jacobs also featured in international films during the 1980s, including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates. His international experience later became part of the foundation for his return to Nigeria.
In 1990, Jacobs returned home and joined the Nigerian television industry, starring in the NTA detective series The Third Eye. His career subsequently expanded into Nollywood, where he became known for portraying traditional rulers, patriarchs, businessmen and other authoritative characters. Channels Television noted that his distinctive voice and commanding presence became an important part of his screen identity.
A career that shaped generations
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, actress Joke Silva, contributed to the development of performing arts through their work in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
By the time of his death, Jacobs had built a career that crossed generations and continents. His journey from watching theatre in Kano to training in Britain and eventually becoming a major figure in Nollywood reflected the long path through which his early passion developed into a lifelong profession.