By Oluwakemi

Nollywood veteran thespian, Joke Silva is celebrating her birthday today and she posted a beautiful picture of herself on her Instagram page, alongside a simple message to celebrate the day.

“Grateful to God for another year. Thanks everyone for your beautiful messages/prayers and happy birthday to all my birthday mates. God bless you. #Birthday”

The passionate actress, Joke Silva was born 29 September 1961. A graduate of the University of Lagos and Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, she began a career in film in the early 1990s. In 1998 she had a major role starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women. In 2006 she won the “Best Actress in a Leading Role” award at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2006 for her performance in Women’s Cot, and “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters.

Silva is married to actor Olu Jacobs. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group which include film production and distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where she is Director of Studies. She is the also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. On September 29, 2014, Silva was bestowed with the National Honours Award (MFR Award) at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.