Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at age 57, after a brief illness, his family has reported.
His family revealed his passing in a message posted on the actor’s official Instagram page early this morning, thanking fans and well-wishers for their thoughts and support.
“We the family of the late Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing after a brief illness.
Thanks for your prayers, love and understanding. May his soul rest in peace. “Amen,” the statement said.
A friend of the late actor, Francis Duru who is dead, said on his Facebook page spotted by The Frontier: “I just lost friend @Francis Duru at National Hospital Abuja about 11pm, 22.10.26. I’m just arriving home now. What a year it’s been. 2026”.
He is survived by his wife and children Adokiye.
Duru began acting in 1989 and became famous for his part as Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake made by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
He denied months ago that he was suffering from a life-threatening condition, calling footage that circulated online in June phoney.
In a video shared on Instagram in response to the reports, the actor denied rumours concerning his health and chastised people who were sharing the clip.
Duru was born on July 27, 1969 to Nigerian parents from Imo State in Cameroon. He had his elementary and secondary school in Cameroon then proceeded to Nigeria for his university study.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Duru made her movie debut in 1989 in the production titled Missing Mark directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. His act in Rattlesnake eventually earned him a household name in Nollywood.
He has appeared in various Nigerian films throughout the course of his decades-long career, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
In 2020, he got the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Mboputa.
In 2007 he also got the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his impact on young people.
In 2010, Duru was an interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
TNT News team is sad a friend of the House and prays that the sweet soul of the charming actor may rest in peace.
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