NOLLYWOOD MOURNS LATE ACTOR FRANCIS DURU

Nollywood actors and filmmakers have paid tribute to veteran actor Francis Duru following his death at the age of 57.

Colleagues took to Instagram on Friday to express their grief, remembering his talent, contribution to Nigerian cinema and impact on those who worked with him.

Actor and politician Desmond Elliot described Duru as a true thespian, sharing a farewell message and praying that he rests in God’s grace.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also mourned the actor, describing his passing as the loss of another great talent.

The guild’s National Secretary, Ify Okeke, urged colleagues to remember Duru’s family in their prayers. Announcing his death, she referred to him by Ahanna, the character name closely associated with his breakthrough performance in Rattlesnake.

Actress Matildah Muchindu described the news as heartbreaking and offered condolences to his family, the guild and the wider Nollywood community.

She said Duru’s work would continue to speak through the stories he helped bring to the screen, adding that future generations would remember his contribution to African cinema.

Muchindu also prayed for comfort for everyone mourning him.

Filmmaker Kiff Alfred joined the tributes, describing Duru’s death as a major loss to Nollywood.

The messages reflect the affection and respect his colleagues held for an actor whose performances connected with audiences across generations.