Joke Silva was born on September 29 to Amaro Family in Lagos. She had her secondary education at the Holy Child College, Lagos. Upon completing her secondary education, she relocated to England, where she studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
She came back to Nigeria and joined the University of Lagos Culture Centre, which later became the department of creative arts.
Her professional acting career began in the early 90s. The first movie she starred in was ‘Mind Bending’, and since then Joke has featured in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba. Joke Silva has acted in over 200 Nollywood movies which include; The Grave Dust, Violated, Owurolojo, Violated, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Timeless, Shylock, A Past Came Calling, The Visitor, Potato Potahto, 30 Days, Bandits, Kada River, Last Wedding, Chief Daddy and many more.
In 1998, she starred alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long I a British-Canadian movie, ‘The Secret Laughter of Women in which she portrayed Nene.
Joke Silva is one of the most gifted, creative and talented actress in Nollywood, with a good command of English Language.
In October 2012, Joke Silva was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
AWARDS
2014 – Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
2008 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actress
2008 – 10 Nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards
2006 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actress in a Leading Role
She is a recipient of EMOTAN Award by the African Independent Television
She is also a recipient of SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art
PERSONAL LIFE
Joke Silva is married to veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs. The couple met at the National Theatre during the 21st Independence anniversary in 1981. They got married in 1989. They are parents to three children; Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs and Dayo Jacobs.