Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced, prompting an outpouring of grief among fans and members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The family confirmed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family also expressed appreciation to those who had offered prayers, love and support during the difficult period, asking for understanding as they mourned their loss.
The announcement did not disclose the nature of the illness or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Duru was one of the familiar faces of Nigerian cinema, with an acting career that spanned more than three decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake, produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
The role helped establish his place in Nollywood during a period when Nigerian home-video productions were gaining popularity and reaching audiences across the country.
He began his acting career in 1989, appearing in Missing Mark, before going on to feature in numerous film productions. His subsequent credits included Blood Money, Stigma and Mboputa, among other titles.
His contribution to the industry extended beyond acting. Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010, a period during which the organisation represented the interests of practitioners in the country’s growing film sector.
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 was also recognised as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007 for his influence on young people.
News of his death comes months after concerns about his health circulated on social media. In June 2026, Duru publicly rejected reports suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness, describing the circulating claims as false.
His family has now confirmed his passing but has not released additional medical details.
Duru was married to Adokiye, and the couple had four children. The family had previously experienced the loss of their son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
His death marks another loss for Nollywood, where his performances across several generations of Nigerian filmmaking established him as a recognisable figure.
As tributes emerge, Duru is remembered for a career that began in the late 1980s, his memorable role in Rattlesnake and his continued contributions to the Nigerian film industry.