Raised as an adopted child, Joke graduated from the University of Lagos and with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and further proceeded to Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London where she studied drama. She met Olu Jacobs in 1981 at the National Theatre, Lagos during Nigeria’s 21st Independence anniversary.
To mark the day, the Lagos born actress posted a picture of herself with husband, Olu Jacobs, and three of their children on Instagram.
“Lord I thank you…for your patience…for family…for 57 years. Happy birthday Ajoke Mabel Arinola Silva. Aya Olu Jacobs,” she wrote along with the picture.
Raised as an adopted child, Joke graduated from the University of Lagos and with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and further proceeded to Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London where she studied drama.
She met Olu Jacobs in 1981 at the National Theatre, Lagos during Nigeria’s 21st Independence anniversary.
The pair have gone on to become the most recognised and respected couple in Nollywood.
They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2015.
A United Nations goodwill ambassador and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), Aunty Joke, as she is famously called, has tons of films, TV appearances and stage performances to her credit.
She was named best actress in a leading role at the 2006 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for her performance in Women’s Cot, and best actress in a supporting role in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters.
She is also a member of the board of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.
Her son, Olusoji, got married to former Miss Boma Douglas in July 2018.
