Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family disclosed his death in a statement published on the actor’s verified Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, expressing gratitude to fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their support and prayers.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
Duru’s death marks a significant loss to the Nigerian film industry, where he built a career spanning more than three decades and earned recognition for his performances in several productions.
He became widely known for playing Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by renowned filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The production remains one of the notable works associated with the development of modern Nollywood.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education before relocating to Nigeria for his university studies.
He attended the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
The actor began his career in 1989 with Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko. He subsequently featured in numerous Nigerian films, establishing himself as a versatile performer whose work reached audiences across generations.
Beyond his acting career, Duru played a role in the affairs of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, serving as its interim president in 2010. He also received several honours for his contributions to the entertainment industry and was named a United Nations ambassador of peace 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 personal life was marked by tragedy in August 2024, when he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi. The loss attracted widespread sympathy from colleagues, fans and members of the public.
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together.
The family has yet to announce details of the late actor’s funeral arrangements.
His death is expected to be mourned by colleagues and admirers who followed his journey through Nigeria’s film industry.
