Contents
Olu Jacobs
The actor whose career connected British theatre and international films with the growth of Nollywood.
Night and Day · Pirates
- Born
- 11 July 1942
- Birthplace
- Nigeria
More people
Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs brought stage training and a commanding screen presence to Nigerian cinema. His work spans television, theatre and popular film.
Early life
Kano
Grew up in northern Nigeria and joined school drama activities.
Inspiration
Seeing Hubert Ogunde perform encouraged his interest in acting.
Career
- 1970s
British stage and television
Worked after training at London’s RADA.
- 1980s
International films
Appeared in productions including The Dogs of War and Pirates.
- 1990s
Nigerian screen career
Became a prominent figure in Nigerian television and film.
- 2007
Continental recognition
Won the Africa Movie Academy Award for leading actor for Dancing Heart.
Selected work & recognition
Night and Day
Performed in Tom Stoppard’s play.
Pirates
Appears in Roman Polanski’s adventure film.
Africa Movie Academy Award
Won the leading-actor award.
Beyond work
Family
Married actor Joke Silva.
Training initiative
Worked with Silva on the Lufodo theatre and training organisation.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Career and work — imdb.com ↗Photo: Niyi Tabiti. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
