Nollywood has lost one of its veteran actors, Francis Duru, whose decades-long career earned him recognition for memorable performances in Nigerian films, including the 1995 classic Rattlesnake. He was 57.
His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, announcing that he had passed away following a brief illness.
The family also expressed gratitude to fans, friends and well-wishers who had offered prayers 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.
Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
His death comes months after the actor publicly refuted reports suggesting that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness. In June, footage circulating online prompted speculation about his health, but Duru dismissed the claims in a video posted on Instagram, describing the reports as false and criticising those responsible for spreading the footage.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru spent his early years in the Central African country, where he completed his primary and secondary education before relocating to Nigeria for further studies.
He pursued a degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru’s journey in the film industry began in 1989 when he made his debut in Missing Mark, a production directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko. However, it was his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, produced by the late Amaka Igwe in 1995, that brought him wider recognition and helped establish his place in Nollywood.
The actor continued to build his career through appearances in numerous Nigerian productions over the following decades. His film credits included Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020), reflecting his continued presence in the industry across different generations of filmmaking.
His performance in Mboputa earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards, one of the notable honours of his career.
Beyond acting, Duru also received recognition for his influence and contributions to society. In 2007, he was honoured with the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of his impact on young people.
He also took on a leadership role within the Actors Guild of Nigeria, serving as its interim president in 2010. That same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The Nigerian film industry has lost veteran actor Francis Duru. His family confirmed his death following a brief illness, bringing an end to his decades-long acting career.
