As the entertainment community continues to mourn the passing of Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs. A titan of stage and screen, his illustrious career spanned over five decades, bridging the golden age of British television and international cinema with the explosive rise of Nollywood. Trained at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), his unmatched diction, regal carriage, and commanding presence redefined acting standards across continents.

Here are ten films from his expansive filmography:

Ashanti (1979)

Directed by Richard Fleischer, this adventure drama marked one of Jacobs’ earliest international silver-screen appearances. Playing Commissioner Batak, he shared space with global stars like Michael Caine and Omar Sharif, signaling early on that an extraordinary African talent was ready to make a global mark.

The Dogs of War (1980)

Based on Frederick Forsyth’s bestselling novel and directed by John Irvin, this gritty war film featured Jacobs alongside Hollywood actor Christopher Walken. Delivering a sharp performance as a customs officer, Jacobs navigated international studio standards with effortless poise, paving the way for African actors in Western cinema.

Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)

Produced by Walt Disney’s Touchstone Pictures, this major family-adventure film took Jacobs deep into international production territory. Portraying Colonel Nsogbu, he brought dramatic weight and authenticity to a whimsical storyline about a prehistoric discovery in Africa, further cementing his reputation abroad.

Pirates (1986)

Working under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Roman Polanski, Jacobs took on the role of Boomako in this beautiful adventure comedy. Premiering to international acclaim, his participation in major European-backed studio production underscored his impressive versatility long before his permanent return to Nigeria.

Adesuwa (2012)

Upon returning home to anchor the thriving Nigerian film industry, Jacobs threw his weight behind culturally rich epic storytelling. In Adesuwa, directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, he portrayed Ezomo with remarkable gravitas. The historical drama swept multiple accolades at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), proving that Jacobs was just as formidable in traditional African epics as he was on Western stages.

Potomanto (2013)

Directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, this gripping transnational crime thriller featured Jacobs as Bankole, a wealthy businessman whose private investigation uncovers a dark network. The gripping narrative allowed Jacobs to display a darker, more intense dramatic range, earning high praise from critics across West Africa.

The Antique (2014)

In this grand epic adventure, Jacobs stepped gracefully into the role of Oba Ekpen, a revered traditional monarch. His effortless portrayal of royalty set a benchmark for how African kings were represented on screen, imbued with dignity, wisdom, and an unshakeable cultural authority.

Dry (2015)

Produced and directed by Stephanie Linus, Dry tackled the sensitive and harrowing societal issue of child marriage. Jacobs delivered a poignant performance as the Speaker, using his platform and artistic weight to bring global attention to a vital human rights conversation through powerful cinema.

Oloibiri (2015)

Perhaps one of his most politically resonant and emotionally charged late-career performances, Jacobs starred as Timipre in this gripping feature about the exploitation and neglect of Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region. Working alongside fellow veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo, Jacobs delivered a masterclass in subtlety and depth, capturing the quiet heartbreak of a community left behind by progress.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)

Jacobs starred as Richard in this delightful romantic comedy directed by Ishaya Bako. Appearing alongside his beloved wife and lifelong creative partner, Joke Silva, the film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.