1. Ashanti (1979)
Ashanti was one of the first films in Olu Jacobs’ career. He played Commissioner Batak in this 1979 adventure film, which starred Michael Caine, Peter Ustinov, and Kabir Bedi.
This film marks an early point in Jacobs’ journey in international cinema.
2. The Dogs of War (1980)
In The Dogs of War, Jacobs took on the role of a Customs Officer. This 1980 film is based on Frederick Forsyth’s novel.
Directed by John Irvin and featuring Christopher Walken, the film follows mercenaries in a military operation in an unnamed African country. This became one of Jacobs’ early international film credits.
3. Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)
Jacobs appeared as Colonel Nsogbu in Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, an adventure film from Walt Disney’s Touchstone Pictures.
The film tells the story of researchers who find a previously unknown dinosaur species during an expedition in Africa. Jacobs added another international production to his list of films.
Olu Jacobs. Photo credit: Web
4. Pirates (1986)
In Roman Polanski’s Pirates, Jacobs played Boomako.
Released in 1986, this adventure comedy starred Walter Matthau as Captain Red. This was another international film in Jacobs’ early career.
5. Greatness (2007)
After his early international roles, Jacobs acted in the Nigerian film Greatness, where he played a King.
This film is one of the Nigerian titles in his filmography.
6. Smoke & Mirrors (2008)
In Smoke & Mirrors, Jacobs portrayed Alhaji Sanni. This was another Nigerian film in his career.
This role came at a time when Jacobs was more associated with Nigerian cinema.
7. League of Gentlemen (2009)
Jacobs played Chief Kolade in League of Gentlemen.
This 2009 film is included in his acting credits.
8. Bent Arrows (2010)
Jacobs appeared as Mr Johnson in Bent Arrows, a film that came out in 2010.
This film is one of the productions featuring the veteran actor in his later career.
9. Sacred Lies (2011)
In Sacred Lies, Jacobs played Theodore.
This 2011 film was one of several where he took on supporting and character roles during that time.
10. White Chapel (2011)
Jacobs appeared as Chief Tonye in White Chapel, which is another film from 2011 in his credits.
11. Adesuwa (2012)
In Adesuwa, Jacobs played Ezomo. This historical Nigerian drama was directed by Lancelot Imasuen.
The film is set against the backdrop of the Benin Kingdom and follows a young woman intertwined with the kingdom's political and social life.
12. Potomanto (2013)
Jacobs played Bankole in Potomanto, a thriller directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso.
This Ghanaian-Nigerian film follows an investigation that reveals a network involved in organ trafficking. Jacobs starred alongside Adjetey Anang and Yvonne Okoro.
Potomanto is listed as a 2013 film in film records.
13. The Antique (2014)
Jacobs played Oba Ekpen in The Antique, a Nigerian drama-adventure film.
The story follows a young woman who must recover a sacred antique from a forbidden land to save a royal heir. Jacobs acted alongside Bimbo Akintola, Gabriel Afolayan, and Funsho Adeolu.
14. Bloody Ring (2014)
Jacobs portrayed Osuma in Bloody Ring, another film from 2014 in his acting credits.
15. Oloibiri (2015)
In Oloibiri, Jacobs played Timipre in a story about the effects of oil exploration on communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
Directed by Curtis Graham, the film included Richard Mofe-Damijo, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, and Daniel K. Daniel.
Film records list Oloibiri as a 2015 film, though some sources mention 2016 as its release year.
16. Dry (2015)
Jacobs played the Speaker in Dry, a film by Stephanie Linus that looks at child marriage and its consequences.
The film tells the stories of young girls facing issues related to child marriage and its health and social effects.
17. One Fine Day (2015)
Jacobs was also part of the cast for One Fine Day, a Nigerian film released in 2015, according to film records.
18. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
Jacobs played Richard in The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, acting alongside his wife, Joke Silva.
Directed by Ishaya Bako, this romantic comedy is about a Nigerian chef who returns home and tries to save her family’s struggling hotel. The film was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and is one of Jacobs’ later notable appearances.
19. Victims (2017)
Jacobs portrayed Baba Deolu in Victims, another film from 2017 in his credits.
20. Unveil (2017)
Unveil is the last film in this selection and is also part of Jacobs’ acting credits from 2017.
His overall filmography goes far beyond these 20 films. His Nigerian film credits alone are estimated to be over 300 titles, even though IMDb currently lists 216 acting credits for the late star.
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