Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

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 shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Friday, 23 October 2026, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.

The family added, “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also confirmed the development, describing Duru as a great thespian in a tribute shared on social media.

Career and Achievements

Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. However, he gained wider recognition in 1995 after playing Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

Over the years, he featured in several Nigerian films, establishing himself as a familiar face in the country’s film industry.

Beyond acting, Duru contributed to the industry through leadership and mentorship. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.

He also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 for his positive influence on young people. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Previous Health Reports

Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports circulating on social media that he was critically ill. In June, the actor described videos portraying him as seriously ill as fabricated and malicious, warning against the spread of misleading information about public figures.

The actor was born in Cameroon on 27 July 1969 to Nigerian parents from Imo State. He later returned to Nigeria to study Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.

He married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family lost their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

As of Friday, details of Duru’s burial arrangements had not been announced.

His death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career spanned more than three decades in Nollywood.