Veteran Nollywood actor, director and filmmaker Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, according to an announcement by his family on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The family announced his death in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page, saying he passed away peacefully after a brief illness. The statement did not disclose further details about his condition.
Duru was a prominent figure in Nigeria's film industry, with a career spanning several decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 action film Rattlesnake, directed by the late Amaka Igwe.
Beyond acting, Duru also worked as a filmmaker and director, contributing to the development of Nigeria's entertainment industry through his various creative roles.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
His death marks the loss of an experienced actor whose work featured in numerous Nigerian film productions over the years.
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