Francis Duru, veteran Nollywood actor, dies at 57

Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family announced via his official Instagram account on Friday, October 23, 2026. The family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received from fans and well-wishers.

Duru was a prominent figure in Nollywood, with a career spanning over three decades. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Ahanna in the 1995 classic film ‘Rattlesnake’, produced by Amaka Igwe. His notable works also include ‘Blood Money’, ‘Stigma’, and ‘Mboputa’, for which he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.

Beyond his acting, Duru served as the interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and was named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007. Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.

His passing follows a period of public speculation regarding his health. In June 2026, Duru had publicly dismissed viral reports claiming he was battling a terminal illness, describing such claims as “fabricated and malicious.”