BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru is Dead; Cause of Death

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru is dead.

Philips News reports that ace Nigerian actor Francis Duru has passed away at the age of 57.

The family of the actor announced the news on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, revealing that Francis Duru died following a brief illness.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the post reads.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the post reads.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

 

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A post shared by Official Francis Duru (@francis.duru)

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the death of the thespian in a Facebook post in the wee hours of Friday.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” the leader of the actors’ group in Nigeria wrote.

Also confirming the news of the deceased role-interpreter and the founder of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi, wrote: “Francis Duru is dead. Details later.”

Philips News recalls that Duru debunked rumours that he was terminally ill few months ago, after fans expressed worry over his physical appearance at a movie location.

Who is Francis Duru?

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon, to parents of Nigerian origin from Imo state, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria to pursue a university degree.

Duru gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, where he studied Theatre Arts and earned a B.A. degree in 1996.

He made his entry into the Nigerian film industry in 1989 with a movie titled ‘Missing Mark,’ directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

Duru’s appearance in the film did little to advance his career at the time, as he was still considered an up-and-coming actor.

The late veteran actor gained greater recognition in the industry in 1995 after appearing in ‘Rattlesnake,’ an action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe. Duru played a notable role in the film as the character Ahanna.

Before his death, Duru received numerous awards and honours for his work over the course of his career. He was named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his positive influence on young people. In 2020, he won the :Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)’ award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in ‘Mboputa’.

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews reports that the late Francis Duru married his wife Adokiye in 2003, and the couple had four children together. They lost Ifeanyi, one of their children, in August 2024.