BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI


The Nigeria movie industry has lost one of its  veteran actor Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family announced his death in a statement posted on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, while expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their support.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement said.

The family also thanked those who had offered prayers and support, asking for understanding during the period of mourning.

Duru’s death marks the end of a career that spanned several decades and saw him feature in numerous Nigerian films, earning recognition for his performances and contribution to the growth of Nollywood.
He became widely known for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

The production helped establish him as a recognisable figure in the Nigerian movie industry.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria for his university education. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating in 1996.

He began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark and went on to feature in several productions, including Blood Money, Stigma and Mboputa.

His performance in Mboputa earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.

Beyond his work on screen, Duru also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010, reflecting his involvement in the affairs of the professional body.

His passing comes months after he publicly dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June 2026, the actor described a video circulating on social media that raised concerns about his health as fabricated and misleading.

Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.

His death is a loss to Nollywood, where his work across generations of Nigerian filmmaking secured his place among the industry’s established actors.