Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, whose illustrious career has spanned over four decades, has once again been the subject of unfounded rumors about his death.
On Sunday, June 30, social media was abuzz with claims that the beloved actor had passed away.
However, his wife, actress Joke Silva, swiftly debunked the rumors, assuring fans that Jacobs is alive and well.
“He’s very much alive and doing fine,” Silva stated emphatically during an interview with TheNEWS.
This marks the second time in recent years that false reports of Jacobs’ demise have circulated online, causing distress among his fans and admirers.
Olu Jacobs, fondly referred to as Uncle Olu by his colleagues and fans, is a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry.
Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, Jacobs has appeared in over 120 films, earning a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most talented and versatile actors.
His extensive body of work includes roles in international films such as “The Dogs of War” and “Pirates,” as well as numerous British television series in the 1970s and 1980s.
Jacobs’ contributions to Nollywood have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
In 2016, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from AMAA, further cementing his status as a pillar of the industry.
Despite his professional success, Jacobs has faced significant personal challenges in recent years, particularly regarding his health.
He has been battling dementia, a condition that has profoundly impacted his life and that of his family.
In a candid interview, Silva spoke about the emotional and psychological toll of caring for her husband.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Silva admitted. “There was a point of acceptance for me that everything happening is reality. It is like the person I married, 80 per cent of the time, is no longer there. But the thing is this: when he was there, he was an incredible father to his children and an amazing husband. He was practically my best friend.”
Silva’s unwavering dedication to Jacobs through his illness has been a testament to their strong bond.
“The husband I knew is no longer there for me. This man that is here is someone I still love, but love in a different way,” she added.
Jacobs’ legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances. Together with Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media corporation encompassing film production, distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Their partnership has significantly contributed to the growth and development of Nigerian cinema.
As rumors of his death were dispelled, fans and colleagues took to social media to express their relief and admiration for Jacobs.
Tributes poured in, highlighting his mentorship, the doors he opened for younger actors, and his enduring influence on Nollywood.
While the false news of Jacobs’ death created a temporary wave of concern, it also served as a reminder of the deep respect and affection that the actor commands.
