By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
His family announced his passing in a statement posted on his verified Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
“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 statement read.
The news was also confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who wrote: “Another great thespian gone… Rest in peace Francis Duru!!”
AGN RIVERS STATE MOURNS ITS OWN
The Rivers State Chapter of the AGN has commiserated with the family, describing Duru as one of its own and a true son of the state.
A statement by the Chairman of AGN in Rivers State, Dr Ken Osunwa, described the late Duru as a thoroughbred thespian, who cut his teeth in the state, first as an undergraduate.
“The AGN in Rivers State expresses deep sorrow following the death of one of our colleagues. He was passionate and one of the leading figures in Nollywood until his unfortunate demise. He was also one of the towering figures in the profession and was renown worldwide for his craft, “We pray for the family for the fortitude to bear the loss”, the statement issued on Friday read.
Duru, though born in Cameroon on July 27, 1969 to Imo State parents, was educated at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1996, laying the foundation for his stellar career.
Duru began his career in 1989 with Missing Mark and rose to national fame in 1995 as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic Rattlesnake, before featuring in several blockbusters including Blood Money, Mboputa, Merry Men and Blood Vessel.
He was a former Interim President of the AGN in 2010, a United Nations Ambassador of Peace (2007), and winner of Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for Mboputa.
His death comes just months after he debunked viral videos in June 2026 that portrayed him as terminally ill. Duru had described the clips as “wicked and fabricated by merchants of darkness.”He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and children. He had previously lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
