Renowned Nigerian actor and film icon Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family confirmed on Friday.
The announcement was made via a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page early Friday morning.
”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,” the family wrote.
Duru’s death comes a few months after he debunked health concerns in June, following a viral video that sparked widespread worry among fans over his health. At the time, the actor had dismissed the rumors as “fabricated and malicious.”
Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to parents hailing from Imo State, Nigeria. He relocated to Nigeria for his tertiary education, earning a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt in 1996.
He made his movie debut in 1989 in Missing Mark, but his big break arrived in 1995 when he starred as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s blockbuster crime drama, Rattlesnake—a role that cemented his place in Nollywood history.
Key milestones of his distinguished career include:Featured in dozens of critically acclaimed Nollywood films over a 30-year span.
He was appointed a United Nations Ambassador of Peace for his positive outreach to Nigerian youth.
Award-Winning Performances: Won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for his role in Mboputa.
Personal Life
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003. The tragedy comes just months after the family suffered the devastating loss of their son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
Tributes continue to pour in from fans, filmmakers, and colleagues across the Nigerian entertainment industry honoring his legacy.
