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Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has paid tribute to late acting icon Olu Jacobs, describing him as a consummate professional whose discipline, experience and dedication helped set high standards for the Nigerian film industry.
Kanayo spoke about the late actor during an interview with BBC News Africa, which was shared on Instagram on Friday. While reflecting on Jacobs’ career and their time working together, he highlighted the qualities that made the veteran respected by colleagues and younger actors.
According to Kanayo, Jacobs was known for his professionalism, particularly his commitment to punctuality and his seriousness towards his work.
He recalled that Jacobs was always prepared before arriving on set and would not wait until the scheduled call time before making his appearance.
“You wouldn’t tell an Olu Jacobs that call time is nine and he’s not there by 8.30,” Kanayo said.
The veteran actor noted that Jacobs’ approach to his profession went beyond simply arriving early for work. He said the late actor brought considerable experience to every production and consistently demonstrated his ability to give each scene a fresh interpretation.
‘A Consummate Actor’
Kanayo described Jacobs as an actor who understood his responsibilities on set and always delivered his roles with professionalism.
“For those of us who were opportuned to be on set with him, he was just that consummate actor who played his part well. And every new scene came with a new interpretation,” he stated.
According to Kanayo, Jacobs’ ability to approach scenes differently demonstrated the depth of his experience and understanding of acting.
Rather than relying on a single approach to performance, Jacobs was able to bring something different to his roles and scenes, making his contributions valuable to productions in which he participated.
Kanayo also remembered Jacobs as an actor who was willing to help younger performers improve their craft.
Mentor To Younger Actors
The veteran actor said Jacobs did not keep his experience to himself but was prepared to guide younger colleagues who wanted to become better actors.
“Always willing to teach the younger ones on how they can be better actors. And God save you if you’re on set with Mr. Olu Jacobs and you’re not proving yourself to be an actor,” he said.
For Kanayo, Jacobs’ influence therefore extended beyond his own performances. His presence on set also created an opportunity for younger actors to learn from someone who had spent decades developing his craft.
Kanayo’s recollection paints a picture of Jacobs as an actor who expected seriousness from colleagues and encouraged performers around him to give their best.
Recalling Their Time On Set
Kanayo also recalled working with Jacobs on a film produced by filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen in Benin.
In the production, Jacobs played the role of his father, who was a king, while Kanayo portrayed his son, the prince.
The experience was one of the moments that allowed Kanayo to work closely with Jacobs and observe his approach to acting first-hand.
Reflecting on Jacobs’ death, Kanayo said he wished the celebrated actor had remained around for longer but accepted that his time had come.
“I would have wished that he stayed more. He has played his part and it’s time the Lord called him home,” he added.
Olu Jacobs died at the age of 84, with his family announcing his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
His death marked the end of a career that spanned several decades and included significant contributions to Nigerian theatre, television and film.
For many colleagues, Jacobs was not only recognised for his performances but also for the professionalism and standards he brought to the industry.
Kanayo’s tribute has now added to the growing recollections from those who worked with the late actor, highlighting his punctuality, discipline, acting ability and willingness to mentor younger performers.
Through such memories, Jacobs’ impact on colleagues and the Nigerian film industry continues to be remembered.
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