VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTOR FRANCIS DURU DIES AT 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family confirmed his death in a statement published on his official Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026. They expressed grief over the loss and thanked fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support.

Duru was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry, with an acting career spanning more than three decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 classic film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria to pursue his university education. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.

He began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. His breakthrough came several years later with Rattlesnake, which established him as a prominent figure in Nollywood. He subsequently appeared in numerous productions, including Blood Money, Stigma, Home in Exile and Mboputa.

Beyond acting, Duru also worked as a producer, director, voice-over artist and master of ceremonies. He served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

His death comes two years after the loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024. The actor had publicly mourned his son, sharing tributes that reflected the depth of his grief.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria also confirmed Duru’s death, paying tribute to the veteran performer and describing his passing as the loss of a great thespian.

Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. His death marks a significant loss for Nollywood, where he built a lasting legacy through his performances and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.