Posted by Chinenye on Wed 16th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Nollywood has lost one of its most respected veteran actors, Olu Jacobs, who has died at the age of 84.
(Actor Olu Jacobs. Photo by The Pointer)
Olu Jacobs, a veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, has d!ed at age 84.
His son announced his passing on social media on Wednesday.
The family described him as "The Lion of Lufodo" and asked bloggers and social media personalities to respect their privacy during this time.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria's most respected actors and was widely known for his work in theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his career in Britain, working in theatre productions and appearing on British television and in international films.
When he returned to Nigeria, he became a major figure in the country's film industry and was seen as one of the leading veteran actors of Nollywood.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2013 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organisation in 2016.
In 2011, he was given the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva.