Nollywood has lost its tallest pillar. Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs*, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, ending a majestic screen career that stretched from British theatre and Hollywood to the heart of Nollywood.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death on Tuesday, sparking an outpouring of tributes from President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Festus Keyamo, and stars across the entertainment industry.
Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, Jacobs was more than an actor. He was a producer, stage director, and co-founder of the Lufodo Group alongside his wife of decades, actress Joke Silva.
His filmography exceeds 300 Nigerian titles*, with IMDb recording 216 acting credits. From Disney adventures with Michael Caine to royal dramas in Benin Kingdom, his range was unmatched.
Here are 20 notable films that defined his journey:
The International Years
1. Ashanti (1979)
His earliest international credit. Played Commissioner Batak alongside Michael Caine, Peter Ustinov and Kabir Bedi.
2. The Dogs of War (1980)
Played Customs Officer in the adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel, starring Christopher Walken.
3. Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)
As Colonel Nsogbu in the Walt Disney / Touchstone adventure about a lost dinosaur species in Africa.
4. Pirates (1986)
As Boomako in Roman Polanski’s adventure comedy starring Walter Matthau as Captain Red.
The Nollywood King
5. Greatness (2007) – Played a King, marking his return as Nollywood royalty.
6. Smoke & Mirrors (2008) – As Alhaji Sanni during his transition to core Nollywood roles.
7. League of Gentlemen (2009) – As Chief Kolade.
8. Bent Arrows (2010) – As Mr Johnson.
9. Sacred Lies (2011) – As Theodore.
10. White Chapel (2011) – As Chief Tonye.
11. Adesuwa (2012) – As Ezomo in Lancelot Imasuen’s historical epic set in the Benin Kingdom.
12. Potomanto (2013) – As Bankole in Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Ghanaian-Nigerian thriller on organ trafficking, alongside Adjetey Anang and Yvonne Okoro.
13. The Antique (2014) – As Oba Ekpen in the adventure drama about a sacred antique.
14. Bloody Ring (2014) – As Osuma.
15. Oloibiri (2015) – As Timipre in the powerful story of oil exploration’s impact on the Niger Delta. Directed by Curtis Graham, co-starring Richard Mofe-Damijo.
16. Dry (2015) – As the Speaker in Stephanie Linus’ award-winning film on child marriage.
17. One Fine Day (2015) – Part of the ensemble cast.
18. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) – As Richard, starring alongside his wife Joke Silva. The romantic comedy screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and became one of his most beloved late-career roles.
19. Victims (2017) – As Baba Deolu.
20. Unveil (2017) – His final title in this selection, capping a decade of consistent character roles.
Beyond these 20, Olu Jacobs was the face of authority, tradition, wisdom and villainy — kings, chiefs, colonels, fathers — played with a deep baritone and effortless gravitas that younger actors studied.
He is survived by his wife Joke Silva and children.
May the curtain never fall on his legacy and may his soul rest in peace, Amen.
