Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru dies at 57

By Ayo Onikoyi Veteran Nollywood 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 published on his verified 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 also appealed for prayers, love and understanding as they mourn the loss of the veteran actor. Duru was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry, with a career spanning more than three decades. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 action film directed by the late Amaka Igwe.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria, where he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996. Over the years, he established himself as a versatile performer, appearing in numerous Nollywood productions and earning recognition for his contributions to Nigerian cinema. Beyond acting, Duru also worked as a producer, director, voice-over artist and master of ceremonies.

He served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace Award in 2007. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. His death comes two years after he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024, a personal tragedy he publicly mourned.

His death marks another loss for Nollywood, where he earned recognition for his enduring contribution to the Nigerian film industry. The post Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru dies at 57 appeared first on Vanguard News. Veteran Nollywood 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 posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support. “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace.