For more than four decades, Joke Silva has remained one of the most recognisable faces in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
From the theatre stage to television and film, Silva has built a career that goes far beyond acting. She is also a producer, director, acting coach, cultural leader and mentor who has played a role in developing Nigeria’s creative industry.
Today, September 29, 2026, the veteran actress clocks 65. The milestone comes at a difficult time in her personal life. Silva lost her husband and fellow veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His funeral programme includes a Night of Tributes at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos on September 30, one day after Silva’s birthday, followed by his burial on October 2.
As she marks 65, here are five things about Joke Silva that are worth remembering.
1. She Is A Five-Time AMAA Winner
Joke Silva’s career has also been backed by major industry recognition. According to Lufodo Group, she is a five-time Africa Movie Academy Awards winner, including a Lifetime Achievement Award received in 2016.
Among her earlier AMAA wins was the Best Actress in a Leading Role award in 2006 for Women’s Cot. In 2008, she won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in White Waters.
These awards came during different stages of her career and reflected her ability to move between leading and supporting roles without losing the depth that became associated with her performances. But awards are only one part of her recognition.
On September 29, 2014, exactly 12 years before her 65th birthday, Silva received one of Nigeria’s national honours — Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) — for her contribution to the country’s cultural and creative sector.
2. She Once Starred Alongside Colin Firth And Nia Long
One part of Silva’s career that may not immediately come to mind is her appearance in the international film The Secret Laughter of Women.
The 1998 British-Canadian production featured Silva alongside British actor Colin Firth and American actress Nia Long. Silva played Nene in the film, which was directed by Peter Schwabach.
The film remains one of the notable international projects in her career and showed that her work extended beyond Nigeria’s growing film industry. The international role became another chapter in a career that had already begun on the Nigerian stage.
3. Her Career Started On Stage
Long before Joke Silva became a familiar face in Nollywood, she was already building a career in theatre.
Her professional career dates back to 1981, and she trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. She later studied English and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos.
That theatre background became an important part of her career. Silva moved between stage, television, film and radio, developing the ability to handle different kinds of roles. Her official biography describes her journey as one that has lasted more than four decades, with storytelling at the centre of her work.
Her stage experience also helped shape the performer audiences would later see on screen.
4. She And Olu Jacobs Built More Than A Famous Marriage
For many Nigerians, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs represented one of the most respected couples in the entertainment industry. But their partnership was also professional.
Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has been involved in drama production and arts education. The group also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, helping to train people interested in careers in the performing arts. Their work later extended to Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos.
Silva has therefore spent a significant part of her career not only appearing in productions but also helping create platforms for other people in the industry.
5. She Chose To Keep The Name “Joke Silva” After Marrying Olu Jacobs
When Joke Silva married fellow actor Olu Jacobs, she chose to keep the name that had already become familiar to audiences. Silva has previously explained that Jacobs encouraged her not to change her professional name because of the work she had already put into building her career.
The decision meant she continued to be known professionally as Joke Silva, rather than taking her husband’s surname.
She had already built a name for herself as an actress and theatre practitioner, and Jacobs understood the value of that identity. For a couple who would later become one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainment partnerships, it was also a reminder that they had careers and identities of their own.
A Milestone Birthday In A Difficult Season
Joke Silva’s 65th birthday comes during a period of both celebration and mourning. Her husband of several decades, Olu Jacobs, died on September 16 at 84, just 13 days before her birthday.
As she marks her day, tributes are also coming from colleagues who have shared parts of her journey.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, who said his friendship and professional relationship with Silva spans more than 40 years, acknowledged her grief while celebrating her life and career. RMD wrote in his birthday tribute:
“Even as you mourn the love of your life, Uncle Jay, we are reminded of your life of grace, your dedication and your love of not just family, but your craft and your country.
Ajokijoks, as only me, your Egbon, can call you, I celebrate you today as I have done since our paths crossed over 40 years ago. How time truly flies. What a joy it is to call you friend, baby sister and colleague.
Your contribution to our industry, your commitment to excellence and the lives you have touched over the years are immeasurable. You have given so much of yourself to your family, your craft and to the growth of our creative industry, and it is a privilege to witness and celebrate the woman you have become.”
At 65, Joke Silva’s story is therefore much bigger than the number of films she has appeared in or the awards she has received.
It is the story of a woman who started on the stage, moved successfully into film and television, earned national and international recognition, built institutions with her late husband and helped influence the next generation of performers.
And while this birthday comes at a painful moment, it also marks more than four decades of a career that has already secured Joke Silva a lasting place in Nigeria’s entertainment history.
