Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has reportedly died following a brief illness, according to a statement attributed to his family.
The announcement was made in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement shared on the actor’s verified Instagram account, @francis.duru.
The family expressed sadness over his passing and appealed for prayers and understanding during the period of mourning.
The statement read: “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.”
Duru, whose full name was Francis Ogide Duru, was a prominent Nigerian actor who spent more than three decades in the country’s film industry, earning recognition for his performances across numerous Nollywood productions.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, southeastern Nigeria, Duru spent part of his early life in the Central African country before moving to Nigeria to pursue higher education.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, graduating in 1996. His academic training, alongside his early experiences in theatre and television, helped shape his career in acting and the performing arts.
Duru began his film career with Missing Mark in 1989 but gained wider recognition for his role as Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake, produced by Amaka Igwe. The performance helped establish his reputation in Nollywood and opened doors to further opportunities in the industry.
Over the years, he featured in several films, including Blood Money, Nnenda, The Good Husband, Eagle Wings and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.
Beyond acting, Duru also worked as a film director, producer, writer, master of ceremonies and television personality, contributing to different aspects of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace Award in 2007 in recognition of his positive influence on young people.
Duru contributed to the development of the Nigerian film industry through leadership and mentorship. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and held other positions within industry organisations.
Away from the screen, he was married to Adokiye Duru, and the couple had four children.
In August 2024, the family suffered the loss of their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi. Speaking publicly about the tragedy in January 2025, Duru said the experience had deepened his faith in God.
His reported death marks a significant loss for Nollywood, where he built a career spanning generations of Nigerian filmmaking.
