Nollywood mourns as veteran Actor Francis Duru dies at 57

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.

Duru’s family announced his death in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement posted on his Instagram page, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

“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 peace. Amen,” the family said.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the loss in a tribute published on the guild’s Instagram page.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” Yakubu wrote.

Duru was one of Nollywood’s familiar faces, with a career spanning more than three decades. He rose to prominence through his role as Ahanna in the 1995 classic Rattlesnake, directed by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru developed a career that established him as a respected figure in Nigeria’s film industry.

He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating in 1996. His acting career began in the late 1980s, with Missing Mark among his early film appearances.

His breakthrough came with Rattlesnake, in which his portrayal of Ahanna brought him widespread recognition and helped cement his place in Nollywood.

Over the years, Duru featured in numerous productions, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013), The Good Husband (2020) and Mboputa (2020).

His contribution to the industry extended beyond acting. 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.

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

Duru’s death marks the loss of an actor whose performances helped shape the experience of generations of Nollywood audiences.

His passing has renewed attention to his enduring contribution to Nigerian cinema, particularly through memorable roles that earned him a place among the industry’s established performers.