The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning another major loss following the death of a respected figure whose work touched many movie lovers across the country.
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness. His family announced his passing in a statement shared on his official Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026. They thanked fans and well-wishers for their love, prayers and support during the difficult period.
Duru was one of the familiar faces who helped shape Nollywood over the years. He began his acting career in 1989 but became widely known after playing Ahanna in the 1995 movie Rattlesnake, produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. His performance helped make him a household name among Nigerian movie lovers.
Over his career, which lasted more than three decades, he appeared in several productions and earned recognition for his talent. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award in the Igbo-language category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
His death has attracted tributes from colleagues and fans. Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo described him as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and productive performers, expressing sadness over the loss.
The news comes two years after Duru lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
His passing marks another painful moment for Nollywood, leaving behind a body of work that audiences will remember for years.
