Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has revealed that it was her husband and legendary actor, Olu Jacobs, who advised her to keep her maiden name after their marriage, citing professional and branding reasons.
The respected screen icon made the disclosure during a recent appearance on the Leadership Podcast with Stephen Akintayo, where she reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, her marriage, and the decisions that shaped her career.
“He was the one who advised that I do not change my name,” Silva said during the interview.
“Because he understood the importance of branding, he said my brand had started building before we met, and changing the brand could cause problems for me. We kept the name Joke Silva as the brand, and within the circle, there was nobody who did not know I was Mrs Jacobs.”
At the time they met, Silva was just beginning to establish herself in the acting world, and Jacobs, already a seasoned actor, played a pivotal role in guiding her career. She revealed that it was Jacobs who encouraged her to pursue formal training in drama, further cementing the foundation of her craft.
Silva also shared heartfelt details about their love story, including how they met and eventually got married in 1985, despite a significant age difference.
“I was 24, we got married in 1985. He was 19 or 20 years older than me. I accepted because I was in love with him. It is as simple as that. He was just a very gorgeous person,” she said.
While Silva’s mother supported the relationship, her father initially had concerns about the age gap. However, she recalled how her sister, Toyin Olawoye, also played a role in affirming her decision to marry Jacobs.
“I remember one of my sisters, Toyin Olawoye. She came home in 1984 and met him. She called me aside and said, ‘Joke, this is the man to take to Daddy.’”
Silva praised her husband for being a pillar of strength throughout their decades-long marriage. She credited his wisdom, support, and deep love as key factors that helped her strike a balance between her personal life and professional commitments.
Now celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most enduring and respected couples, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs remain a source of inspiration for many within and beyond the entertainment industry. Their union, built on mutual respect, shared passion for the arts, and unwavering support, continues to be admired across generations.
