Written By | International News Agencies
Duru was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry, with a career spanning several decades.
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LAGOS
Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family confirmed his death in a statement posted 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 those who had offered prayers and support during the difficult period.
“We appreciate your prayers, love and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement added.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s death in a social media post, describing him as a great thespian.
“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 several decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake, a production widely regarded as one of the notable works in the history of Nollywood.
Born in Cameroon 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.
His acting career began in 1989 with Missing Mark. He subsequently featured in numerous Nigerian films, establishing himself as a versatile performer whose work appealed to audiences across generations.
In 2010, Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. The same year, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
His death comes two years after the actor lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024, a tragedy that attracted widespread sympathy from colleagues and fans.
Further details about his funeral arrangements had not been announced by the time of publication.
