Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family confirmed his death in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their 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.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also announced the actor’s death in a social media post, paying tribute to the late screen star.
“Another great thespian gone…Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” Yakubu wrote.
The founder of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi, equally confirmed the development in a brief post, writing, “Francis Duru is dead. Details later.”
Duru’s death has marked the end of a career spanning more than three decades in the Nigerian film industry, during which he became known for his performances in several Nollywood productions.
He rose to prominence in the 1990s after featuring in the 1995 action-comedy film Rattlesnake, produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. He played Ahanna in the film, a role that helped establish his place in the industry.
The actor began his film career in 1989 with Missing Mark before building a reputation as a versatile performer across different genres.Beyond acting, Duru also contributed to the administration of the film industry.
In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, an organisation that represents the interests of professional actors in the country.
His contributions to society also earned him recognition as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
In June 2026, Duru had publicly dismissed social media rumours suggesting that he was battling a terminal illness. In a video message, he reassured fans that the reports were false and urged them to disregard the claims.
The circumstances surrounding his latest illness, however, were not disclosed in the family’s announcement.
Duru’s death comes about two years after he suffered the loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024. The actor had publicly mourned his son, describing him as a fighter who had battled an undisclosed ailment.
The family has appealed for prayers and understanding as they mourn the actor. Details of his burial arrangements were not included in the announcement.
