Nigeria's movie industry: Nollywood will forever remain grateful for the veteran star - Olu Jacobs.
The name Olu Jacobs doesn't strike a new chord to Nigerians. As a matter of fact, the veteran Nollywood actor has been on the silver screens for over four decades. And he is still one of the most respected Nigerian actors till date.
Sir or uncle Olu Jacobs as many of his younger colleagues in the industry call him, has cleared a successful path for many actors and actresses in the entertainment industry. Olu Jacobs was among the few older actors who went through the hurdles and struggle of movie/film production at a time when the business/game wasn't that sweet and rewarding.
The veteran actor and icon recently turned 75, wow ! And sooo many Nigerians celebrated with him, its been a long walk. A few of the older generation can still remember his younger days on the screen.
Olu Jacobs’ Biography, Age
The birth of the star icon was announced on 11 July 1942 in Ogun State, Nigeria. He was born to parents Egba Alake. But he grew up in the north - kano state to be precise, where he also schooled.His desire for acting kicked in at a early age, at that time he was a member of the debate and drama society at The Holy Trinity school were he got his secondary education.
His mind got open to the world of acting at the Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party which was held at the Colonial Hotel in Kano.
Acting Career
After that encounter with his destiny, he travelled to England to study arts and enrolled into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London after which he starred in several British television series and international films. This was between 1970 and the 80s.While in England, he was featured in underground TV shows like; Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Goodies - all of this was like in the 70s.
But Jacob became international in the movie industry in the 80s when he got starred in movies like; The Dogs of War - directed by John Irvin, Roman
Polanski's adventure-comedy -
Pirates. Those who were old enough in the 80s would remember the family adventure film: Baby and Secret of the Lost Legend, which also featured the veteran actor.
Some of Olu Jacobs’ other international
works includes; Barlow at Large, The Goodies, The Venturers, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People, and The Professionals.
He was also cast on television, in the 'TVS’s; The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983 series). While In Nigeria, he has starred in more than 150 Nollywood movies.
Today he is an inspiration to many younger actors in Nigeria and those generally with the "acting bug".
Awards and Accolades.
In 2007, he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and six years later precisely 2013, he was honoured with the Industry’s Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.Wife, Children, Family
The veteran actor has been married for over 30 years to co-thespian/actor - the famous actress Joke Silva and they are both blessed with 2 sons.
Olu Jacobs and his wife who both still uses her maiden name, currently run a acting school called Lufodu Academy of Performing Arts for aspiring and upcoming actors.
Still on his wife's choice of name, so many questions and rumours have been raised on while she still uses her maiden name, but Olu Jacobs had on several occasions pointed out that he is not bothered with his wife’s usage of her maiden name for showbiz.
According to him, his marriage to her/Joke, will never deny her and her audience her name. His constant defence of his wife over the years has gradually put to a halt the massive separation rumours being spread by Nigerians.
Aside from that, i am honestly one of the many Nigerians in awe of this cute and enviable couple whose love life has become an inspiration to many young black couples.
On the story of how they met.Jacobs says, that he met Joke at the Lagos National Theatre in 1991. According to him, It was during a rehearsal for the legendary Wole Soyinka’s - "Jero’s Metamorphosis" that he first laid his eyes on her and he instantly knew that they were both meant to be.
Quick Facts
It may be surprising to know that Jacobs’ parents were initially against his choice of career.Also, Olu Jacob has been in the movie industry since 1970 and has till date starred in over 150 Nollywood films. His first movie titled “Vigilante” was produced by AA production.
Also Olu Jacobs joined the Instagram social media platform in 2017, no doubt keeping up with the trends like his younger colleagues in the industry.
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