Olu Jacobs is an award winning Nigerian Actor, and one of the Pioneers of Nollywood. He is known for “Eye of The God’s” (2004), “Eagle’s Bride” (2005), “Dancing Heart” (2007), “Adesuwa” (2012), “Heroes and Zeros” (2012), “Potomanto” (2013), “The Antique” (2014), “Dry” (2014), “Oloibiri” (2015), and “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel” (2017). In 2007, Jacobs received the award for Best Actor in A Leading Role at the 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards for his performance in Dancing Heart; in 2011, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Ghana Movie Awards; in 2013, he received the Industry Merit Award at the 1st Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards; and in 2016, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Jacobs grew up in Kano, where he attended the Holy Trinity School. He proceeded to train as an Actor at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.
Considered as one of the most respected Actors in Africa, Jacobs’s inspiration to be an Actor was fuelled at the Late Hubert Ogunde’s concert party in Kano. While in London, Jacobs performed in stage plays such as: “Murderous Angels: A Political Tragedy” and Comedy in “Black and White”, “Richard's Cork Leg”, “Night and Day”, “Black Mans Country”, and “Julius Caesar”. He also featured in British TV shows like: “Till Death Do Us Part”, “Angels”, “1990”, “The Venturers”, “Squadron”, “The Witches”, and “Barlow At Large”.
Jacobs gained international recognition as Commissioner Batak in Richard Fleischer’s “Ashanti” (1979); as Colonel Nsogbu in Bill L. Norton’s “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend” (1985); and as Boomako in Roman Polanski’s “Pirates” (1986). Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs has starred in over 150 films. His other notable works include: “Oganigwe”, “Throne of Tears”, “League of Gentlemen”, “Honorable Minister”, “Covert Operations”, “Amina, Only Love”, “The Siege”, “Saint Among Thieves”, “Blind Kingdom”, “Crossroad”, “Humble Hero”, “Total Control”, “Bloody Ring”, “Forest of Tears”, “Son of the Soil”, “Kingmakers”, “Royal Storm”, “Bleeding Rose”, “Innocent Tears”, “Palace Slave”, “Prince of My Land”, “Queen of The Jungle”, “Enemy of The Kingdom”, “To Love A Stranger”, “Royal Dancer”, “The Spirit of A Dancer”, “Hidden Treasure” and “The Lions”.
Olu Jacobs married veteran Actress, Joke Silva in 1985. Together they have two sons; Olusoji Jacobs and Olugbenga Jacobs. In 2009, Olu Jacobs co-founded Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife.
