Francis Duru: Nollywood Actor Passes Away at 57

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Francis Duru, who passed away at 57 after a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family.

The announcement was made on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday. His family expressed gratitude to fans and supporters for their prayers, love and understanding during the difficult period.

“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 family stated.

The late actor is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.

Duru began his acting journey in 1989 and became a household name following his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 movie produced by renowned filmmaker Amaka Igwe, who is now late.

His passing follows his earlier rejection of reports concerning his health. In June, Duru dismissed claims that he was battling a life-threatening illness, describing a video circulating online as false. He subsequently addressed the allegations in an Instagram video, condemning those responsible for spreading the footage.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru spent his early years completing his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before coming to Nigeria for higher education.

He attended the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

His screen career began with Missing Mark in 1989, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. However, his role in Rattlesnake brought him wider recognition and established him as a notable figure in Nollywood.

Over the years, Duru appeared in numerous Nigerian films, among them Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).

His contributions to the industry earned him several recognitions. In 2020, he received the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for Mboputa. Three years earlier, in 2007, he was presented with the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of his influence on young people.

Duru also played a leadership role in the industry, serving as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010. That same year, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

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