Veteran actor Francis Duru is dead at 57
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| Francis Duru (Nigerian Actor) |
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, according to an announcement by his family.
The family confirmed his death in a statement posted on his verified official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family also asked for prayers, love and understanding as they mourn the veteran actor.
Duru was a familiar face in Nigeria's film industry, with a career spanning more than three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 action film directed by the late Amaka Igwe.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later relocated to Nigeria. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
Over the years, he built a reputation as a versatile performer, featuring in numerous Nollywood productions and earning acclaim for his contributions to Nigerian cinema.
Beyond acting, Duru 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 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) 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, a personal tragedy he mourned publicly.
Duru is survived by his family. His passing is another significant loss for Nollywood, where he was widely respected for his lasting contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
