Olu Jacobs, born Oludotun Bayo Jacobs, is a veteran Nigerian actor and one of the most respected figures in the African film industry. He was born on July 11th, 1942 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. With over five decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Olu Jacobs has starred in numerous films and television series that have earned him respect and accolades both home and abroad.
Early Life and Education
Olu Jacobs was born into a royal family in Abeokuta, Ogun State and was raised in a polygamous home. He discovered his passion for acting at a very young age and got involved in several stage plays while in secondary school. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, UK on a scholarship, and graduated with a diploma in acting.
Career
After graduation from RADA, Olu Jacobs returned to Nigeria and joined the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut in Wole Soyinka’s play titled “The Trials of Brother Jero” in 1964. He then proceeded to work with several theatre groups before moving into television and film. His first film appearance was in the movie “The Boys Next Door” produced in 1966. He went on to produce and star in his own stage plays and eventually launched his own production company with his wife, Joke Silva.
Filmography
Olu Jacobs has featured in several films and television series, some of which include:
- Things Fall Apart (TV series) – 1987
- The Dogs of War – 1980
- Isakaba – 2000
- Forest of Hope – 2003
- Blood Diamonds – 2006
- Shameful Deceit – 2007
- The Figurine – 2009
- Doctor Bello – 2013
- The Royal Hibiscus Hotel – 2017
Click here to watch the trailer for the movie “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel” on YouTube.
Personal Life
Olu Jacobs is married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva. They got married in 1985 and have two children together. Their union is considered one of the most successful in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Net Worth
Olu Jacobs is estimated to have a net worth of $3 million in US dollars, 1.2 billion naira in Nigerian currency, 415, 000 Canadian dollars, 1.2 million Ghanaian cedi, 318,000,000 Kenyan shillings, 39,000,000 South African rand, 10,962,720 Ugandan shillings, and 226,980,000 Indian rupee.
It is important to note that Olu Jacobs’ net worth may vary depending on currency exchange rates and other factors.
Awards and Nominations
Over the course of his illustrious career, Olu Jacobs has received several awards and nominations. Some of the most notable ones include:
- The Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the movie “The Figurine” in 2010.
- The Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2016.
- The Best Actor award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2017 for his role in the movie “Okafor’s Law”.
Olu Jacobs continues to inspire young and upcoming talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond. He is indeed a legend in his own right!