Veteran actress Joke Silva has revealed that it was her husband, renowned Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs, who encouraged her to retain her maiden name after they got married.
Speaking during an appearance on the Leadership Podcast hosted by Stephen Akintayo, Silva said Jacobs made the suggestion to preserve her growing brand in the entertainment industry.
“He was the one who advised that I do not change my name,” she said. “He understood branding and said my name had already started gaining recognition before we met. Changing it could disrupt the progress I had made.”
Silva noted that while she legally became Mrs. Jacobs, the name ‘Joke Silva’ remained her professional identity. “Everyone within the industry circle knew I was Mrs. Jacobs, but professionally, we retained Joke Silva as the brand,” she added.
The acclaimed actress also spoke fondly of their early years together, recounting how they met when she was just starting her career. According to her, Jacobs played a significant role in her development, even encouraging her to pursue formal training in drama.
The couple tied the knot in 1985, despite their 19-year age difference — a gap that initially worried her father but was supported by her mother.
“I was 24 at the time. He was 19 or 20 years older. I didn’t care because I was in love with him — it was that simple. He was a truly gorgeous person,” Silva shared.
She recalled how her sister, Toyin Olawoye, approved of Jacobs from the first meeting. “She came home in 1984, met him, and said, ‘Joke, this is the man you should take to Daddy.’”
Silva expressed deep admiration for her husband, crediting his support, wisdom, and love for helping her balance her personal life with a successful career.
The couple, who have remained together for decades, are widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most enduring and inspiring unions.
