Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has reportedly died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, bringing an end to a career spanning more than three decades in Nigeria’s film industry.
His family announced his passing in a statement shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
The family expressed appreciation to fans, colleagues 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. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement said. The actor is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and children.
His reported death comes months after he publicly dismissed claims that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, Duru took to Instagram to debunk a video circulating online about his health, describing the claims as false and criticising those responsible for spreading the footage.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru received his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria to pursue higher education.
He graduated from the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts.
Duru began his acting career in 1989 with his debut appearance in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
He rose to prominence following his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 blockbuster Rattlesnake, produced by renowned filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
The performance established him as one of Nollywood’s recognised actors and opened the door to numerous roles in the rapidly expanding Nigerian film industry.
Over the years, he appeared in several notable productions, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
His contribution to the industry earned him several honours, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
In 2007, he received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of his positive influence on young people.
READ ALSO: Achimota Golf Club Raises GH¢96,960 for Breast Cancer Equipment at Korle Bu
Beyond acting, Duru played an active role in the development of Nigeria’s film industry, serving as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
That same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
His passing marks the reported loss of another prominent figure whose performances and contributions helped shape the growth of Nollywood.
