Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness
Family confirms the veteran actor’s death after a brief illness as Nollywood colleagues and fans mourn the loss of the Rattlesnake star.
Lagos, Nigeria-The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The actor’s family announced his death in a statement shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026. The family expressed sadness over the loss and appealed for prayers, love and understanding as they come to terms with his passing.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family added: “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.” The family did not disclose the nature of the illness or further circumstances surrounding his death.
A celebrated face in Nollywood
Francis Duru was a familiar face in Nigeria’s movie industry, with an acting career that began in 1989. He rose to prominence for his memorable portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed 1995 film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
Over the years, Duru featured in numerous Nigerian films, establishing himself as a versatile performer whose work reached audiences across different generations. His film credits included Blood Money, Stigma and Mboputa.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He also received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007.
Actors Guild of Nigeria confirms his death
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s passing in a social media tribute.
“Another great thespian gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” Yakubu wrote, paying tribute to a colleague whose career spanned more than three decades.
His death comes after previous health rumours
Duru’s death comes months after he publicly dismissed social media reports suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June 2026, a video showing the actor looking frail circulated online, prompting concern among fans and colleagues. He subsequently released a video rejecting the claims and describing the circulating footage as fabricated and malicious.
The family’s announcement on Friday confirmed his death, but no further medical details have been made public.
A personal loss for his family
The actor’s passing also comes about two years after the death of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in 2024, a deeply painful experience for the family.
Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. As news of his death spreads, tributes are expected from colleagues, fans and others who followed his work in the Nigerian film industry. Funeral arrangements had not been announced in the reports available at the time of publication.
Francis Duru’s death marks the end of a chapter in a career that helped shape the memories of many Nollywood audiences. His performances, particularly his role in Rattlesnake, remain part of his contribution to Nigerian cinema.
