Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page early Friday, thanking fans, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support during the difficult period.
“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.
His death comes months after the actor dismissed speculation about his health following the circulation of a video showing him looking frail on social media in June.
Duru had responded to the reports by sharing a video on Instagram, describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious” and rejecting claims that he was suffering from a life-threatening condition.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his early education in the country before moving to Nigeria for his university studies.
He attended the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.
He rose to wider prominence in 1995 after portraying Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe.
Over the years, he earned recognition for his contributions to Nollywood, receiving several awards and honours. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
In 2020, the actor won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and their union produced four children. However, the family suffered a loss in August 2024 when one of their children, Ifeanyi, died.
