Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family disclosed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, while expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support.
“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 read.
His death comes months after the actor dismissed reports suggesting that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness.
In June, a video showing him appearing frail circulated on social media, raising concerns among fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
However, Duru responded to the reports in a video posted on Instagram, 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 relocating to Nigeria for further studies.
He subsequently 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.
Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.
He rose to prominence in 1995 after portraying Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
Throughout his career, the actor received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry. He was also appointed a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
In 2020, Duru won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
The actor married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and the couple had four children. However, the family suffered a tragic loss in August 2024 when one of their children, Ifeanyi, died.
His death marks another loss for Nollywood, where he earned recognition for his acting talent and contributions to the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
May his soul rest in peace.
