Metro
Olu Jacobs: 30 Notable Movies That Defined the Veteran Actor’s Career
For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career across theatre, television and film, becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and respected actors. Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself through British television……
For more than five decades, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career across theatre, television and film, becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and respected actors. Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself through British television and international cinema. His early screen credits included Ashanti (1979), The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Pirates (1986).
Jacobs later became a defining figure in Nigeria’s film industry, appearing in hundreds of productions and portraying characters across different genres. His Nigerian film credits include Adesuwa, Potomanto, The Antique, Oloibiri, Dry and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, among others. His work was not limited to acting, as he also became a producer, film executive and stage director, while co-founding Lufodo Group with his wife, actress Joke Silva.
Across his career, Jacobs worked in both international productions and Nigerian cinema, while his performances helped establish him as one of the most recognisable elder statesmen of the Nigerian film industry. Lufodo says his Nigerian screen work spans more than 300 films. Below are 30 notable films from his documented screen career:
1. Ashanti (1979)
Jacobs appeared as Commissioner Batak in the 1979 adventure film.
2. The Dogs of War (1980)
Jacobs played a Customs Officer in the film adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel.
3. Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)
He portrayed Colonel Nsogbu in the international adventure film produced by Walt Disney.
4. Pirates (1986)
Jacobs appeared as Boomako in Roman Polanski’s 1986 adventure film.
5. Greatness (2007)
Jacobs was part of the cast of the Nigerian production, playing a King.
6. Smoke & Mirrors (2008)
He played Alhaji Sanni in the Nigerian film.
7. League of Gentlemen (2009)
Jacobs appeared as Chief Kolade.
8. Bent Arrows (2010)
He played Mr Johnson.
Read Also: BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
9. Sacred Lies (2011)
Jacobs portrayed Theodore.
10. White Chapel (2011)
He appeared as Chief Tonye.
11. Adesuwa (2012)
Jacobs played Ezomo in the historical Nigerian drama.
12. Potomanto (2013)
He portrayed Bankole in the crime thriller.
13. The Antique (2014)
Jacobs played Oba Ekpen.
14. Bloody Ring (2014)
He appeared as Osuma.
15. Oloibiri (2015)
Jacobs played Timipre in the film centred on Nigeria’s oil-producing community.
16. Dry (2015)
He appeared as the Speaker in Stephanie Linus’ drama.
17. One Fine Day (2015)
Jacobs was part of the cast of the Nigerian production.
18. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
He played Richard in the romantic comedy.
19. Victims (2017)
Jacobs portrayed Baba Deolu.
20. Unveil (2017)
He was also part of the cast of the Nigerian production.
21. A Better Tomorrow
Jacobs appeared in the Nigerian home-video production.
22. A Better Tomorrow 2
The sequel also featured the veteran actor.
23. Days of Gloom
Jacobs was part of the cast of the Nigerian production.
24. Days of Gloom 2
He returned for the sequel.
25. Royal King
Jacobs featured in the Nigerian production.
26. Royal King 2
He also appeared in the sequel.
27. Palace Slave
Jacobs was part of the cast of the Nigerian home-video production.
28. Palace Slave 2
He returned in the sequel.
29. Power of a Kiss
Jacobs featured in the Nigerian production.
30. A Weeping Soul
He was also part of the cast of the film.
Olu Jacobs’ filmography runs into hundreds of Nigerian productions, and surviving online film databases do not provide a single complete and consistently verified catalogue. The list above therefore presents documented and notable titles rather than claiming to be every film in which he appeared. Also, the available records identify Jacobs primarily as an actor, producer and stage director; the films above should not be presented as films he personally directed unless a specific directing credit is independently established.
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