The acclaimed Nigerian actor, whose career spanned more than five decades across British television, theatre, and Nollywood, died on September 16, 2026.

Lagos, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, his family announced on Wednesday, bringing to a close a career spanning more than five decades across Nollywood, British television, international cinema, and theatre.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death on Instagram and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.

Jacobs, one of the most recognizable figures in Nigerian cinema, was also the husband of acclaimed actress Joke Silva.

Olu Jacobs built an acting career in Britain

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria, Jacobs developed an early interest in acting before moving to Britain to pursue professional training.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and went on to establish a career in British television.

His credits included appearances in The Goodies, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People, and Barlow at Large.

Jacobs also appeared in international films, including The Dogs of War and Pirates, before returning to Nigeria.

Olu Jacobs Became a Defining Figure in Nollywood

Back home, Jacobs emerged as one of the veteran actors who helped shape Nigeria’s rapidly expanding film industry.

His commanding performances across film, television, and theatre made him a prominent figure in Nollywood, with a career that stretched for more than 50 years.

In 2007, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

He later received the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Industry Merit Award in 2013.

In 2016, Jacobs and Silva were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Africa Movie Academy Awards in recognition of their contributions to African cinema.

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s Legacy Beyond Acting

Jacobs’ influence extended beyond his performances on screen.

Together with Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, helping train and develop emerging talent in Nigeria’s film and theatre industries.

His death marks the loss of one of Nigerian cinema’s most enduring figures, whose career connected British television and international filmmaking with the growth of Nollywood into one of Africa’s most influential cultural industries.