Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness

Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family announced his death in a statement published on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.

The family thanked fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support, adding: “May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s death in a tribute shared on social media.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” Yakubu wrote.

Duru was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry, with a career spanning more than three decades. He began acting in 1989 and rose to prominence through his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 Nollywood classic Rattlesnake, produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

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, graduating in 1996.

His film credits included Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020). He won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Duru also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people.

His death comes months after he publicly dismissed online reports suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness.

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

The family has not disclosed further details about the illness or announced funeral arrangements.

Duru’s death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose work contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.