When the news broke of Olu Jacobs’ death, tributes poured in celebrating the actor’s brilliant body of work. His illustrious career began in the United Kingdom where he played many roles in TV shows before finding a place in Hollywood productions and then finally coming home to cement his legacy as a Nollywood legend.
If you’re new to his work, first of all are you living under a rock? Or if you want to revisit some of his work, we’ve put together a list of movies where you can watch the icon flex his skills as one of the greatest Nigerian actors. Ranging from western productions to Nollywood ones, these are some of Olu Jacob’s best roles.
(1980)
Running Time: 118 minutes
Director: John Irvin
This 1980 movie directed by John Irvin follows a small unit of soldiers hired to overthrow an African leader. Olu Jacobs steals the show as a strict immigration officer who finds a balance between humour and seriousness. It’s a role that finds him opposite Christopher Walken and he holds his own with little to no effort.
(1979)
Running Time: 118 minutes
Director: Richard Fleischer
A young Michael Caine stars as Dr David, a man who goes on a perilous journey to save his lover from slavers. In this movie, Jacobs plays the no nonsense Commissioner Batak who assists him on this journey. It’s a role that gives a glimpse into the type of character he’d embody in many Nollywood productions.
(2006)
Running Time: 120 minutes
Director: Tchidi Chikere
This role gave him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 2007 African Movie Academy Awards. In this film he played a struggling writer who uses his wife’s flirting escapades as inspiration. With a balance of humour and emotional depth, he etched his name among the icons of the industry.
(2015)
Running Time: 93 minutes
Director: Curtis Graham
He put forward a complex moving performance as Timipre in this movie that addressed the exploitative efforts of oil companies in the Niger Delta. In a movie packed with stars like Richard Mofe Damijo and Segun Arinze, he plays a man ridden with guilt as his community is destroyed.
(2004)
Running Time: 120 minutes
Director: Andy Amenechi
In a rare, non-royal Nollywood role Jacobs plays Agumba, a man caught between duty to his village and a corrupt princess. It’s a role that showed his versatility as he brought a new side to his work.
(2012)
Running Time: 120 minutes
Director: Lancelot Imasuen
In this movie set in the ancient Benin kingdom, Olu Jacobs took on the role of Ezomo in a movie unlike any other of its time. Tackling themes of slavery and duty to tradition, the legendary actor brought new life to the movie helping it secure 10 nominations at the 2012 African Academy Movie Awards.
(2013)
Running Time: 120 minutes
Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso
This time he takes his skills to Ghana in this crime thriller that follows a private investigator who tracks unfaithful partners of the men who hire him. His work leads him to a wealthy man played with menacing bravado by Olu Jacobs.
(2017)
Running Time: 90 minutes
Director: Ishaya Bako
In his last onscreen role, he gives a small but mighty performance as Richard alongside his wife, Joke Silva. Written and Directed by Ishaya Bako, the movie was a fitting final appearance for our legend and icon.
