Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, according to an announcement shared by his family on his official Instagram page early Friday.
The family confirmed his passing in a statement expressing gratitude to those who had offered support and prayers.
“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.”
No further details about the illness or the circumstances surrounding his death were provided in the announcement.
Francis Duru Previously Denied Reports About His Health
Duru’s death comes months after he publicly rejected viral reports claiming he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, footage showing the actor appearing frail circulated on social media, prompting concern among fans and colleagues.
Responding to the reports, Duru shared a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious.”
At the time, he denied the claims circulating online. His family’s latest announcement, however, attributed his death to a brief illness without providing further medical details.
From Theatre Arts to Nollywood Recognition
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon, Duru was of Nigerian parentage, with his parents originating from Imo State.
He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before moving to Nigeria to pursue higher education at the University of Port Harcourt, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru entered the Nigerian film industry in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. Although the role did little to establish him immediately, he continued working toward recognition in the industry.
His profile grew in 1995 when he appeared in Rattlesnake, the action-comedy produced by the late Amaka Igwe. He played Ahanna, a role that helped bring him wider attention.
Over the years, Duru received recognition for his work in film. In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
Family Life and Personal Loss
Duru married Adokiye in 2003, and the couple had four children. The family suffered a major loss in August 2024 when their son Ifeanyi died.
His death at 57 marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career spanned decades of Nigerian filmmaking.
As news of his passing emerges, the family has asked for prayers and understanding while mourning their loss.