From BBC News · · 1m 10s
Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs dies at 84
The celebrated Nigerian actor's career spanned five decades across theatre, television and film.
In brief
The celebrated Nigerian actor's career spanned five decades across theatre, television and film. Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's most respected actors and a founding figure of Nollywood, has died at 84 after a long career and recent battle with dementia. Originally reported by BBC News.
Nollywood icon passes away
Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's best known actors, has died at 84. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, announced his death and asked for privacy.
Five decades on screen
Jacobs was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His career spanned over 50 years in theatre, television and film.
Awards and national honours
He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor and lifetime achievement honours. In 2011, he received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Building Nollywood's future
Jacobs and Silva established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The institutions trained and developed performing artists in Nigeria.
Battle with dementia
In 2021, Silva revealed Jacobs had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies. He had largely stayed away from the public spotlight in recent years due to ill-health.
“It's a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it's almost like a Parkinson-type of disease - it affects the brain and affects the person”
The bottom line
Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's most respected actors and a founding figure of Nollywood, has died at 84 after a long career and recent battle with dementia.
