Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor Francis Duru's Death

Francis Duru, a veteran actor in the Nigerian movie industry, passed away in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 57. His family announced his death on his official verified Instagram page, stating that he died after a brief illness.

The family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received during this difficult time. Duru's passing comes two years after the loss of his youngest son, Ifeanyi, in 2024.

Following the announcement, numerous friends and fans took to social media, particularly X, to express their condolences. Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was among the first to mourn him online, describing him as a great thespian.

Other notable figures, including Kunle Remi and Linda Ejiofor, also shared their grief. A video shared by Adebanji showed Duru denying rumors of being terminally ill just days before his death, highlighting the shock surrounding his sudden passing.