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Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a short sickness, bringing an finish to a profession that spanned greater than three a long time in Nigeria’s movie business.
His demise was introduced by his household on Friday, October 23, 2026, in an announcement printed on his verified Instagram account.
The household confirmed that the actor handed away within the early hours of Friday however didn’t disclose additional particulars in regards to the sickness.
- “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 assertion learn.
Duru’s demise comes two years after he misplaced his youngest son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
The actor was extensively recognised for his contributions to Nollywood, having featured in a number of productions since making his display screen debut in 1989.
Francis Duru’s Rise in Nollywood
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian mother and father from Imo State, Duru spent his early years in Cameroon, the place he accomplished his main and secondary schooling.
He subsequently relocated to Nigeria and enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the place he obtained a Bachelor of Arts diploma in Theatre Arts in 1996.
- Duru started his skilled appearing profession in 1989 with Missing Mark, a movie directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
- He gained nationwide recognition in 1995 following his look in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed Nollywood manufacturing by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
- His efficiency within the movie helped set up him as one of many notable actors of Nollywood’s early years.
- Over the years, Duru constructed a profession throughout Nigerian movie and tv, incomes recognition for his performances and contributions to the event of the business.
In 2020, he received the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) class at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his efficiency in Mboputa.
He was additionally recognised as a United Nations ambassador of peace for his contributions to youth growth and social advocacy.
Nollywood Remembers Veteran Film Stars
Duru belonged to the technology of actors who helped set up Nollywood as a significant drive in African leisure in the course of the business’s adolescence within the Nineties.
His breakthrough got here at a time when Nigeria’s home-video business was increasing, creating alternatives for indigenous filmmakers and actors to succeed in audiences throughout the nation and past.
Nairametrics previously reported the deaths of other prominent Nollywood veterans, including Olu Jacobs, who died at 84 in September 2026, following a profession spanning greater than 5 a long time in movie, tv and theatre.
The industry also lost veteran actress Rachel Oniga in July 2021 at the age of 64. Oniga started her appearing profession in 1993 and appeared in quite a few Nigerian movies and tv productions.
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