Francis Duru dies at 57, leaving Nollywood colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry mourning the loss of a veteran actor. His family announced his death on Friday, October 23, 2026, through a statement shared on his official Instagram page.
The family said the actor died following a brief illness. However, it did not disclose further details about his condition or when he passed away.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family also thanked fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support during the difficult period. It concluded with a prayer for his peaceful rest.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also confirmed the news. Its president, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, paid tribute to the late actor in a social media post, describing him as a great thespian.
Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Decades in Nollywood
Francis Duru built a career that spanned more than three decades in Nollywood. He began acting in 1989 when he appeared in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
However, his breakthrough came in 1995 when he played Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The film helped establish his place in the Nigerian movie industry.
Born in Cameroon on July 27, 1969, to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria to pursue his university education. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and graduated in 1996.
Throughout his career, he featured in several productions, including Blood Vessel, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Mboputa. His performance in Mboputa earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.
Duru also contributed to the industry beyond acting. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. He received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 for his influence on young people.
Actor’s Death Follows Earlier Health Rumours
News of Duru’s death comes months after he publicly dismissed reports claiming that he was critically ill. In June 2026, he criticised videos circulating online that portrayed him as seriously unwell.
The actor described the footage as misleading and raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images and videos of public figures.
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family also suffered the loss of their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
His death marks a significant loss for Nollywood, where he remained a recognisable figure across generations of film audiences. As tributes emerge from colleagues and fans, many will remember him for his memorable performances and lasting contribution to Nigerian cinema.
The family has yet to announce funeral arrangements.
