Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has formally announced.
The family announced his passing in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026, expressing gratitude to fans, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support during the difficult period.
“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 actor’s death, paying tribute to him as a great thespian and acknowledging his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko. He rose to wider prominence in 1995 following his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe.
Over the years, he established himself as a respected figure in Nollywood, featuring in numerous Nigerian films and earning recognition for his performances across a career spanning more than three decades.
Beyond acting, Duru contributed to the growth of the industry through leadership and mentorship. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.
His achievements also extended beyond the entertainment industry. In 2007, he received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of 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
Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting 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.
Born in Cameroon on July 27, 1969, to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later returned to Nigeria, where he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
He married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and their union produced four children. The family suffered a painful loss in August 2024 when their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, died.
As of Friday, October 23, details of the late actor’s burial arrangements had yet to be announced by the family.
His death marks the end of an illustrious acting career that spanned more than three decades, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and valuable contributions to the development of Nollywood.
