Entertainment
BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru is dead
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family announced his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.
“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
The actor, who began his career in 1989, rose to prominence for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
His death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June, Duru described footage circulating online about his health as false and criticised those spreading the claims in a video posted on Instagram.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in the country before moving to Nigeria for his university studies.
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru made his film debut in Missing Mark in 1989, in a production directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. His performance in Rattlesnake subsequently established him as a familiar face in the Nigerian film industry.
Throughout his decades-long career, the actor featured in several Nigerian films, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
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 also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people.
Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.
His death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career spanned several decades in Nigeria’s film industry.
Follow Us on Google Discover
10 things you never knew about late Nollywood veteran, Francis Duru
BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru is dead
FIFA takes over NFF affairs, approves normalisation committee ahead of fresh elections
Sultan of Sokoto meets Tinubu, calls for peaceful elections
Ebola: FG directs agencies to intensify public awareness
Salah shines as Trabzonspor beat Hearts 2-0 in Conference League
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints former DSS DG Yusuf Bichi as NISS Governing Board Chairman
NEC approves 90-Day plan to tackle high food prices, transport cost
Tinubu tasks Medical experts on brain drain after receiving WACP Fellowship
CDCFIB Recruitment: Portal opens October 28 for shortlisted candidates
Adamawa court sentences three to death over abduction of Catholic priests
‘You called them cancer, now you’re their ally’ – Rufai Oseni slams Wike for embracing APC
‘Every Nigerian made poorer by 300%’ – Obasanjo slams Tinubu reforms
Hardship: NLC, TUC threaten nationwide action, give FG October 27 deadline
Seven-Up opens recruitment for 17 positions across Nigeria – Apply Now
Seven-Up opens recruitment for 17 positions across Nigeria – Apply Now
Backend Office HQ announces 9 job openings with salaries of up to ₦400,000 – Apply Now
CDCFIB Recruitment: Portal opens October 28 for shortlisted candidates
‘Politics Is Not Madness’: Emir of Katsina warns Tinubu Campaign DG Yari
Seven-year-old boy found dead after suspected kidnappers demand N2.5m ransom in Plateau
2027: He is a ‘wole wole’ man – APC National Secretary questions Atiku’s ability to fix Nigeria’s economy
Toluwanisings: Family announces night of tributes, service of songs for late gospel singer
Oyebanji appoints four officials, swears in SSG, chief of staff in Ekiti
History and service have kept us intertwined – Tinubu celebrates Kwankwaso at 70
‘Where is my house?’ – Ortom questions Alia over denial of ex-governor’s benefits
Tinubu meets NELFUND Chairman Jim Ovia at Aso Rock
UCL: Man United suffer 4-1 defeat to Como as pressure mounts on Carrick
2027 Election: Court rejects suit to compel INEC to register new party
Bauchi Imam removed from position for allegedly campaigning for Tinubu’s second term
