Nollywood Icon Francis Duru Dies at 57

Veteran Nollywood actor, director and filmmaker Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, his family announced on Friday.

The family shared the news on the actor’s verified Instagram page in the early hours of October 23, 2026, writing: “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 announcement followed an earlier tribute from Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who posted a photograph of Duru on Thursday with the words: “Another great thespian gone…Rest in peace Francis Duru!!”

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Born Francis Ogide Duru on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, the actor spent his early years and received primary and secondary education in the neighbouring country before relocating to Nigeria. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

Duru began his screen career in 1989 with the film Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. He rose to prominence in 1995 after playing Ahanna in the Amaka Igwe-produced classic Rattlesnake, a role that cemented his place among Nollywood’s recognisable faces. Over more than three decades he appeared in numerous productions, including Blood Money, Home in Exile, Stigma and Mboputa.

In 2010 he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. He won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. In 2007 he was honoured as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his positive influence on young people.

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003. The couple had four children. In August 2024 the family suffered the loss of their teenage son, Ifeanyi.

His death comes months after a viral video in June 2026 sparked speculation about his health. At the time Duru publicly dismissed the footage as “fabricated and malicious” and reassured fans that he was well.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans across the industry following the confirmation of his passing. Duru is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.