Nollywood Veteran Francis Duru Dies at 57
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at 57 following a brief illness, his family announced on Friday, October 23, 2026, via his official Instagram page.
The family expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
He began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark and gained prominence in 1995 for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s Rattlesnake. Over the years, he earned several honours for his contributions to Nollywood, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for Mboputa.
Duru, who was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace, married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children. The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
His death marks the end of a career that spanned decades in the Nigerian film industry.
