Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has passed away at the age of 57, his family announced on his official Instagram account.
His family made the announcement in the early hours of Friday, October 23, stating that Duru passed away following a brief illness.
"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 family wrote.
His passing comes one month after the death of another iconic actor, Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84 following a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
Francis Duru, whose full name was Francis Ogide Duru, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and one of the most recognizable faces in Nollywood.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, he grew up in Cameroon before moving to Nigeria for his higher education.
He built an acting career that spanned more than 30 years in the Nigerian film industry.
Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, graduating in 1996. His academic background helped prepare him for a professional career in acting and the performing arts. Before establishing himself in Nollywood, he gained experience in stage theater and television, which contributed significantly to his development as an actor.
Duru began his film career with Missing Mark in 1989. His major breakthrough came with the 1995 film Rattlesnake, produced by Amaka Igwe, in which Duru played the character Ahanna. The film established his reputation and opened the door to numerous opportunities in Nollywood.
Over the years, Duru featured in dozens of films, including Blood Money, Nnenda, The Good Husband, Eagle Wings, and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.
Beyond acting, he also worked as a film director, producer, writer, master of ceremonies, and television personality.
In 2020, he won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He was also honored with the United Nations Ambassador for Peace Award in 2007 for his positive impact on young people.
Duru contributed to the development of Nigeria's entertainment industry through professional leadership and mentorship. In 2010, he served as the interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and held several other roles within industry organizations.
He was married to Adokiye Duru, and they had four children together. In August 2024, the family suffered a tragedy with the loss of their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi. Speaking publicly about the loss in January 2025, Duru shared that the painful experience had ultimately deepened his faith in God.
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