Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, according to an announcement by his family.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement published on the actor’s official Instagram account in the early hours of Friday, expressing gratitude to fans, friends and sympathisers for their prayers, affection and support during the difficult period.
In the statement, the family said it regretted to announce his death and thanked the public for the compassion and understanding extended to them. The family also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
The actor, who began his professional career in 1989, earned widespread recognition for portraying Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed 1995 Nigerian film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. His performance helped establish him as a familiar and respected figure in the Nigerian film industry.
His death comes months after he publicly dismissed reports suggesting that he was suffering from a life threatening illness. In June, the actor responded to footage circulating online about his alleged health condition, describing the material as false and criticising those responsible for spreading it.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru spent his formative years in Cameroon, where he completed his primary and secondary education before travelling to Nigeria for further studies.
He subsequently enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru made his screen debut in Missing Mark in 1989, a production directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. His subsequent appearance in Rattlesnake marked a defining moment in his career, bringing him greater public recognition and establishing his place among the notable performers of his generation.
Throughout his decades in the entertainment industry, the actor appeared in numerous Nigerian productions, demonstrating his versatility across different roles and storytelling styles. His film credits included Blood Money, released in 1997, Stigma in 2013 and Mboputa in 2020.
His contribution to the industry earned him several distinctions. In 2020, he received the Best Actor in a Leading Role in the Igbo category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He was also honoured with the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people.
Beyond his work on screen, Duru played a leadership role within the Nigerian acting fraternity. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, an organisation representing professional actors in the country.
That same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, further underscoring the recognition he earned during his career.
His passing marks the loss of an experienced performer whose work spanned several decades of Nigerian filmmaking. Through his memorable roles, professional service and contributions to the entertainment industry, Duru established a lasting presence in Nollywood.
As tributes emerge following the announcement of his death, his family, colleagues, admirers and audiences who followed his career are left to remember a performer whose work formed part of the development of contemporary Nigerian cinema.
