Olu Jacobs

Olu Jacobs, reported to be Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, is a veteran Nigerian actor known for work across theatre, television and film. His wider contribution includes co-founding a performing-arts academy and receiving major African film-industry honours.

Star Mover ranking

Not ranked in Entertainment yet

0 points

Sign in to Move Up

Profile

About Olu Jacobs

Profile information current to 2026-08-22.

Nigeria · Actor · 1 affiliation

Show full profile Hide full profile

Also known as: Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs
Known for: Nigerian film and television; Theatre; Performing-arts training
Country: Nigeria

Actor

At a glance

Jacobs has had a longstanding career spanning Nigerian film and television as well as theatre.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Jacobs and actor Joke Silva established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts as a practical training initiative in Lagos.
His honours include a 2007 Africa Movie Academy Award for acting, the inaugural AMVCA Industry Merit Award and a 2016 AMAA lifetime-achievement award.
He received Nigeria's Member of the Order of the Federal Republic national honour in 2011.

Training and stage beginnings

Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. A THISDAY Style retrospective dates his stage debut to 1971, and Jacobs said in a 2016 interview that an invitation connected with FESTAC '77 encouraged him to return to Nigeria after working in England.

Screen career

Jacobs became known for work across Nigerian film and television alongside his theatre career. His acting recognition includes the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Dancing Heart.

Performing-arts training

Jacobs and Joke Silva established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts in Lagos as a practical performing-arts training initiative. The institution represents a contribution to professional development beyond Jacobs's own acting work.

Industry and national recognition

Jacobs received Nigeria's Member of the Order of the Federal Republic honour in 2011. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2013 and an Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016.

Affiliations

Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts Co-founder

Timeline

1942-07-11 Reported birth date of Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs.
1971 A THISDAY Style retrospective reports that Jacobs made his stage debut.
2007 Won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Dancing Heart.
2011 Received Nigeria's Member of the Order of the Federal Republic national honour.
2013-03-09 Received the Industry Merit Award at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.
2016-06-11 Received an Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2016 AMAA ceremony in Port Harcourt.

Additional verified details

Current context

A March 2026 report identifies Nigerian actor Joke Silva as Jacobs's wife. The reviewed reporting supports the marital relationship but does not resolve the precise year of their marriage.

Biographical facts

His reported date of birth is 11 July 1942.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
In a 2016 interview, Jacobs said an invitation connected with FESTAC '77 encouraged his return to Nigeria after working in England.
Jacobs and actor Joke Silva established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts as a practical performing-arts training initiative in Lagos.