Olu Jacobs Turns 83 — A Living Legend Honored.

Olu Jacobs Turns 83 — A Living Legend Honored.

The Nigerian World

Entertainment, Celebrities & the Golden Age

Time may change, but greatness never goes unnoticed — and that’s exactly the case with Nigerian Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs.

On her Instagram page, his wife Joke Silva, a celebrated actress in her own right, wrote:

“@_olujacobs …we met when you were 38 and today by God’s wonderful Grace you are …83…🎺🎺🎺🎺 God be PRAISED!!!”

Olu Jacobs celebrated his 83rd birthday on July 11, 2025, surrounded by love, admiration, and tributes from fans and colleagues.

With a career spanning over five decades, Jacobs has starred in more than 200 films, both locally and internationally.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and began his acting journey in the 1970s.

Some of his most memorable works include:

The Dogs of War (1980),

Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985),

Pirates (1986), Oloibiri (2015),

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017),

Adesuwa (2012), and Potomanto (2013).

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva have been together for over 45 years, a partnership that has deeply enriched Nigerian performing arts.

Together they had three children — Dayo, Olusoji, and Olugbenga Jacobs.

Sadly, their daughter Dayo passed away in 1997 at the age of 10 due to an undisclosed illness.

Today, they have two surviving sons who continue the family’s proud legacy with quiet strength.

Despite recent health challenges, including dementia, Jacobs remains a towering figure in African cinema — a symbol of resilience, artistry, and enduring legacy.

And from this blog, we say Happy Birthday to Olu Jacobs — one of Nigeria’s legendary filmmakers and enduring cultural icons.

May his legacy continue to thrive. 🎭🇳🇬💫

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.

Images/ Olu Jacobs /Instagram.