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Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs is alive, his family confirmed on Sunday, to put an end to the social media rumours of his death.
A close family source told Netng that the beloved actor, though “old and sick, is still very much alive.” The 81-year-old veteran has been the subject of unfounded death rumours numerous times since November 2021, when his wife, actress Joke Silva, first disclosed his health struggles.
The latest rumours spread like wildfire across social media platforms on Sunday afternoon, causing widespread concern among fans and the Nollywood community. The family has consistently debunked these false reports, sharing videos and photos of Jacobs to reassure the public of his well-being.
Olu Jacobs’ health struggles
Joke Silva, 62, a respected actress and Jacobs’ wife, revealed in 2021 that her husband has been battling Dementia with Lewy body (DLB) for several years, which explains his absence from the movie scene.
In a candid interview with Channels Television, Silva described the challenges posed by the degenerative disease, which affects the brain and has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease but without characteristic tremors.
“He is dealing with issues and it has been going on for a couple of years. It is known as dementia with Lewy Body. It is a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it is almost like a Parkinson’s type of disease, it affects the brain so you don’t see the shaking. It affects the person,” Silva explained.
“It’s been hard on him because he doesn’t understand what is going on and also on family members as well. We have gone through it over the past couple of years and we thank God.”
Despite the challenges, Jacobs’ family remains resilient, facing his health battles with the strength and grace he showed whenever he was on set. The outpouring of love and support from fans continues to uplift them during this time.
