I disobeyed my dad to become an actor – Olu Jacobs

Fondly called Uncle Olu by his colleagues and teeming admirers,

Olu Jacobs, the Ogun state-born international veteran actor, has made his mark in Nigeria's movie industry. With over 40 years acting experience, Jacobs is seen as a bridge between the old and new breed of stars, a motivator to the upcoming acts. His charisma and manner of delivery of lines are legendary, drawing admiration from fans.
His infectious baritone and interpretation of roles are a director's delight.

Trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, England, Jacobs remains one of Nigeria's creative gifts to the world, having worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and starred in some international movies, including the latest version of John Millington Synge's classic, “The Playboy of the Western world” co-written and produced in 2007 by a Nigerian, Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle.

Last week, in Ikoyi, at a graduation ceremony of the pilot students of Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, owned by the actor, and his wife, Joke Silva, also a multi-talented actress, HVP engaged him in this revealing interview. Read on…

That's Olufodo Academy of Performing Arts all about?

Olufodo Academy of Performing Arts have been existing informally for more than 15 years now. Informally because we were visiting privately owned schools propagating the values of theatre to the young ones. The Academy is from the stables of Olufodo Group. We are involved in training medium class executives of corporate organizations( Lofodo consulting) There are quite a lot of young men and women who studied Theatre Arts at the University.

But while studying, little or no attention aws paid to the need for television aspect which is the communication medium of today and of tomorrow. We only concentrating on theatre, which does not hold any future for us as a people. When I was in England, I was involved in TIE theatre in Education. I went from school to school to entertain as well as helped through drama to explain things and make them easier for children to understand and follow up.

And when I returned to the country, I saw the need for me to introduce the same in our school system in Nigeria. When I did, the children in private schools liked it.The schools set a certain time aside which is not the most satisfying way of doing it. Some parents kicked against it but the pupils like the drama class that we are taken them on.

Memorable events of your life?

It was when I asked my wife to marry me. I took her to a restaurant for a special dish about 9 pm. The food was served in a clay pot that was completely sealed and cooked by only heat. I ordered for it, and thereafter went on my kneel to ask her to marry me. This was about 24 years ago.

What was her respond?

She obliged my request and I was on top of the world

Her greatest asset you value in her?

My family. That woman, or rather that girl should I say, is a loving, caring and dedicated wife. She's very caring and motherly. What she says goes as far as I'm concern.

Any regrets!

My regret is that I didn't marry on time. I didn't meet my wife at the time I supposed to have met her. I met my wife while directing the premiere of Wole Soyinka's “Jero's Metamorphosis' to commemorate the 21st independence anniversary. She was one of the casts.

You had the believe that you wasted your time with the women that crossed your path?

I didn't want to get married initially. I couldn't have gotten married because I was in the England and never wanted to marry a white woman. I was not going to marry a non-Nigerian. I didn't come home for a while and it meant that I didn't have any serious girl friend.

What's the experience that helped shape your future?

Not so much. But I remember that when I was in primary four, I fell in love with my class teacher. One day, she came to introduce her fiancee to my parents and when I saw her, I was not happy. As a result, she never saw me in her class for another session. Yes, I would leave home for school, and after the morning devotion, while other pupils were retiring to their classes, I would disappear to God knows where, and never to be seen again. I was brought up in an Anglican faith, and was a member of the choir. Continued    Source: nigeriafilms.com - NigeriaFilms.com