Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at 57 following a brief illness, his family announced on Friday, October 23, 2026. The family shared the news on his official Instagram page but did not disclose the specific illness or burial arrangements. The Actors Guild of Nigeria also paid tribute to the actor, describing him as a great thespian.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996. He began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by Ndubuisi Oko, before gaining widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Duru featured in numerous productions, including Blood Money, Nnenda, Stigma, Home in Exile, The Good Husband, Mboputa and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons. His performance in Mboputa earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award in the Igbo category at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards. In 2007, he received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace Award in recognition of his positive influence on young people. He also served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.

His death comes about two years after the loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024. In June 2026, Duru had publicly dismissed social media reports claiming he was critically ill, describing them as misleading. His family has not provided further details about the illness preceding his death.

Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. His passing marks the loss of a veteran performer whose memorable roles and contributions to the Actors Guild of Nigeria helped shape his place in the country’s film industry.