Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru, renowned for his memorable performances and enduring contributions to Nollywood, has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
His family announced his passing in the early hours of Friday through a statement shared on his official Instagram page, expressing grief over the loss and gratitude 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 read.
The family also appealed for prayers and understanding during the difficult period, adding, “May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed rumours that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June, a video showing him appearing frail circulated widely on social media, sparking concern among fans and colleagues. The actor subsequently addressed the reports in an Instagram video, describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious.”
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in the country before moving to Nigeria to pursue higher education. He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
His journey in the Nigerian film industry began in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko. Although the film marked his entry into the industry, wider recognition came several years later.
Duru rose to prominence in 1995 after starring in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe. His portrayal of Ahanna in the film became one of the defining moments of his acting career and helped establish him as a familiar face in Nigerian cinema.
Over the years, the actor earned several awards and honours in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was named a United Nations ambassador of peace for his positive influence on young people. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Beyond his professional achievements, Duru was a family man. He married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family suffered a devastating loss in August 2024 when one of their children, Ifeanyi, died.
His passing marks the loss of an actor whose work spanned decades and whose performances contributed to the growth and evolution of Nollywood.
As tributes emerge, fans and colleagues are expected to remember Duru for his talent, dedication to his craft and lasting impact on Nigerian cinema.
