By Asaye Bankole
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The actor’s family announced his death in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, through a statement shared on his official Instagram page, appealing for prayers and understanding as they come to terms with their loss.
In the statement, the family expressed gratitude to fans, friends and well-wishers for their love and support, while praying for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul.
“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 announcement comes months after the actor was at the centre of public concern over his health following the circulation of a video showing him looking frail on social media.
The footage generated speculation about his condition, prompting Duru to respond in June.
He dismissed reports that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness, describing the video as “fabricated and malicious” in a post shared on his Instagram page.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria, where he pursued his university education and developed his passion for the performing arts.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru entered the Nigerian movie industry in 1989, making his debut in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.
His breakthrough came in 1995 when he featured in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe.
His portrayal of Ahanna in the production helped establish his name among audiences and strengthened his presence in the rapidly growing Nigerian film industry.
Over the years, Duru built an extensive acting career, featuring in productions that contributed to the development and popularity of Nollywood.
His performances earned him recognition within the entertainment industry and several awards.
His contributions extended beyond acting, as he was also named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa, adding to the list of honours he received throughout his career.
Away from his professional life, Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003.
The couple had four children, although the family experienced a tragic loss in August 2024 when their child, Ifeanyi, died.
Duru’s death marks the end of a career that began in the late 1980s and spanned decades of activity in Nigerian cinema.
His work in Nollywood earned him a place among the industry’s experienced performers, whose contributions helped shape the evolution of local film production.
His passing is expected to generate tributes from fellow actors, filmmakers, fans and other entertainment stakeholders who followed his career over the years.
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