Nollywood is mourning Francis Duru, the veteran actor who has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
His family announced the news on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
They thanked fans and well-wishers for their support and prayers.
“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 death comes months after Duru dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, concern spread among fans and colleagues after a video showing the actor looking frail circulated on social media.
Duru responded with an Instagram video in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.
Nollywood is the name for Nigeria’s film industry, one of the largest in the world by output.
From Cameroon To Nollywood Stardom
Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State.
He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria for university studies.
He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
There, he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
His acting career began in 1989 in a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
However, he gained wider recognition in 1995 after featuring in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
He played the role of Ahanna in the film.
Over the years, Duru received several awards and honours for his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Family Life, Colleagues And Fans
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children.
The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
Meanwhile, fellow actors have mourned Duru on social media.
They include Kanayo O. Kanayo and Mercy Johnson, who paid tribute to the late screen star and reflected on his contribution to the industry.
Both are established names in Nollywood.
According to TVC News Online, Duru’s death was announced by his family on Friday following a brief illness.
Kanayo described Duru as a consummate actor.
“A CONSUMMATE ACTOR HAS LEFT THE STAGE. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother,” he wrote.
Mercy Johnson Okojie also paid tribute.
“Rest well legend. Too tired and speechless about this loss,” she said.
Fans of the late actor also took to social media to mourn him.
Abubakar Yakubu (@abkingyakub) wrote, “Another great thespian gone….Rest in peace, Francis Duru!!”
Social Media Users React
Other users have also expressed sadness over Duru’s death.
On Facebook, Ameyaw Dwamena wrote, “Rip ma man,” while Arc Nwaike Ogubuike Stanley said, “No this can’t be true, My elder brother gone noo.”
Another Facebook user, Tammy Clarizza, wrote, “Good night dear brother.”
Ikechukwu Somemore Nnochiri expressed disbelief.
“This is unbelievable!! Someone should just shout “it’s a prank!!”” he wrote.
Emmanuel Nwanneh also reacted with “Chai…people don dey go oooo.”
That message is in Nigerian Pidgin English, a language widely used in everyday talk.
On X, #Grammee TL wrote, “Nollywood raised us with these legends, and now we’re watching them leave one by one. Rest in peace, Francis Duru.”
Another X user, #Urhoboworldwide__Gen Z, said, “Might not relate. Rest in peace, Francis Duru; you were part of our childhood memories.”
What a great loss, he even posted about the loss of another actor who recently passed, unknown to him he was next, and at such a young age. Rest in peace sir, and to the grieving family, God be with you in these tough times, to Nigerians at large, God be with us.