NOLLYWOOD VETERAN, FRANCIS DURU, DIES AT 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has reportedly died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

According to News Ghana, his family announced his death in a statement shared on his verified Instagram account on Friday, October 23. The report also cited confirmation from the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

The family did not disclose the nature of the illness and asked for prayers and understanding.

Duru became a familiar face in Nigerian cinema, with his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake among his best-known performances.

Born on July 27, 1969, he studied at the University of Port Harcourt and built a career spanning several decades. His work included English- and indigenous-language productions, earning him recognition across the industry.

In 2020, he won the Best of Nollywood award for best actor in a leading role in an Igbo-language film for Mboputa.

Funeral arrangements had not been announced in the report reviewed.