Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, born 11th of July 1942 – known professionally as Olu Jacobs, is a Nigerian actor and film executive.
Olu Jacobs has starred in several British television series and international films. He is hailed by many as one of the greatest and most widely respected African actors of his generation. Together with Pete Edochie, he is considered by several media, film commentators, critics and fellow actors to be one of the most influential African actors of all time – he is widely regarded as a cultural icon.
He is also seen as the bridge between the old and the new.
Nollywood over the weekend celebrated one of her veterans – Olu Jacobs as he turned 80!
With over forty years on stage and on screen, the thespian is one of the industry’s most revered icons.
In his active years, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts alumnus featured in over 200 productions including British and Nigerian stage plays, film and television shows including “Adesuwa“, AMAA‘s 2012 Best Nigerian Film.
Jacobs is one of the most awarded actors in Nollywood’s history with two AMAAs, one AMVCA and one AFRIFF.
Jacobs is famously married to one equally one of Nollywood and Africa’s finest actresses – Joke Silva
To celebrate the veteran’s 80th birthday, here are five films that shone bright his iconic talent:
The Dogs of War
Olu Jacobs in John Irvin’s 1980 film ‘The Dogs of War’ – based on Frederick Forsyth’s novel of the same title played an unforgettable immigration officer.
Potomanto
In the Shirley Frimpong-Manso directed action thriller, Olu Jacobs starred as “Bankole”, a wealthy businessman who hires an ex-cop turned private investigator to trail his wife.
Pirates
The 1986 adventure directed by Roman Polanski was a Cannes delight, premiering in the US and globally. Jacobs played a ship crew named “Boomako“.
Till Death Do Us Apart
“Black magic!” This is Jacobs’ iconic lines from this sitcom. It’s from BBC’s hit sitcom Till Death Do Us Apart.
Soul on Fire
The 2005 Tchidi Chikere directed film retells the Abraham and Sarah story with a Nigerian context. Jacobs played the lead role of “Ijendu” (as Abraham) with Patience Ozokwo as “Azuka” (as Sarah).
Worthy of note is Jacobs’ AMAA Best Actor winning performance in “Dancing Hearts“, also by Tchidi Chikere.
Here is wishing the veteran and industry inspiration more years in health and joy!
Original article: Pulse.ng
Edited: Admin
