Before he became everybody’s favourite Nollywood uncle, Olu Jacobs had already built a career across British television, international cinema and theatre. Nollywood was only one part of the story.

It started in Kano, where watching Hubert Ogunde perform sparked his interest in acting. That interest eventually took him to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he trained before making his mark on British television.

Long before he became a familiar face in Nigerian homes, Jacobs was appearing in shows like The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also featured in international films, including The Dogs of War and Pirates. So, by the time he returned to Nigeria and became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, he already had years of experience behind him.

And if you grew up watching Nigerian films, you know the kind of presence he brought to the screen. He could be the king, the chief, the intimidating father or the villain whose voice alone made you sit up. His diction was unmistakable, his delivery was deliberate, and he had a way of making even the smallest scene feel important.

But acting was only part of what he built. Alongside his wife, Joke Silva, Jacobs co-founded Lufodo, a company that expanded into theatre, film production and training. The two were also deeply involved in theatre, taking their work beyond the screen and contributing to the development of the industry.

That’s what makes Olu Jacobs’ career worth looking back on. He wasn’t simply an actor who gave us memorable characters. He was a performer who worked across different stages, screens and generations, helping shape the industry we know today.

For many of us, he will always be that familiar face from the Nigerian films we grew up watching. But long before he became our favourite Nollywood uncle, Olu Jacobs was already that guy.