Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family confirmed his death in a statement shared on the actor’s verified Instagram account 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.
Duru was widely known for playing Ahanna in the 1995 Nollywood classic Rattlesnake, produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. His acting career spanned more than three decades, and he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, also paid tribute to the actor, describing his death as the loss of a great thespian.
Duru’s death comes two years after he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
The family has not disclosed further details about his illness or announced funeral arrangements.
