Francis Duru, Renowned Nollywood Actor, Dies at 57

Nollywood actor Francis Duru passed away at the age of 57 following a brief illness, as confirmed by his family in a statement on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026. The family expressed their grief and gratitude for the support from fans and well-wishers.

Duru was renowned for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe's acclaimed 1995 film, which significantly raised his profile in the Nigerian film industry. He began his acting career in 1989 and had a career spanning over three decades, featuring in various productions.

Duru also served as the interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and was awarded the United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

Earlier in 2026, he had dismissed rumors about his health, describing them as false. His family did not provide further details regarding the illness that led to his death.