Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
The actor’s family announced his death in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement shared on his official Instagram page.
“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.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s death, paying tribute to him as another great thespian lost to the industry.
Francis Duru, who began his acting career in 1989, became widely known for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 classic movie, Rattlesnake. He went on to feature in numerous Nollywood productions throughout his decades-long career.
His death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a serious illness after a video showing him looking frail circulated online in June.
Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and graduated in 1996.
He was also a recipient of the United Nations Ambassador of Peace recognition and won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
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