Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has opened up about the late screen legend Olu Jacobs, describing him as an exceptional actor whose influence on Nigerian cinema will be difficult to replace. Kanayo shared the memories during a recent BBC interview following the death of Olu Jacobs, who passed away at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026.
Reflecting on the news of Jacobs’ death, Kanayo said it was shocking but expressed gratitude for the life and career the veteran actor lived, According to him, Olu Jacobs brought a wealth of international experience to Nollywood after spending years working in British theatre and television. Kanayo recalled that actors who had the opportunity to work alongside Jacobs could immediately notice his professionalism and mastery of his craft.
He described the late actor as someone who was rarely late for filming and did not struggle with his lines. Kanayo also remembered how Jacobs approached scenes with fresh interpretations, showing the depth of his experience as a performer.
One of the memories that stood out for Kanayo was a film production in Benin, produced by filmmaker Lancelot, where Olu Jacobs played the role of a king while Kanayo portrayed his son, a prince. Kanayo recalled joking with the producer about whether he looked like Olu Jacobs, a moment that brought laughter on set.
The experience, however, went beyond the roles they played.
Kanayo described Jacobs as a warm and humorous person who was willing to share his knowledge with younger actors. He said the veteran's experience from the international film industry gave him valuable lessons that could benefit those coming behind him.
For Kanayo, Jacobs represented a generation of actors whose discipline and understanding of acting helped shape the Nigerian film industry.
He also reflected on the ability of experienced actors to make even difficult or morally complex characters believable. “There is no wicked role. Every role is a role,” Kanayo said, stressing that an actor's strength lies in the ability to bring different characters convincingly to life.
Olu Jacobs' death has triggered tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and fans across Nigeria and beyond. His career stretched across more than five decades, beginning with professional work in Britain before he became one of the defining figures of Nigerian cinema. He was particularly known for portraying kings, fathers, elders and men of authority.
For colleagues such as Kanayo O. Kanayo, however, the legacy of Olu Jacobs extends beyond the characters audiences saw on screen. It also lives in the lessons he shared, the younger actors he encouraged and the professionalism he brought to every production.