Nollywood Icon Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Illness

Francis Duru, a veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 57 following a brief illness, as confirmed by his family in an official statement. Duru's career spanned over three decades, beginning with his screen debut in 1989 in the film "Missing Mark." He gained nationwide fame for his role as Ahanna in the 1995 classic "Rattlesnake," and became a household name through performances in acclaimed films such as "Blood Money," "Mama Sunday," "Total Control," "Home in Exile," "Mboputa," and "Stigma." In addition to his acting career, Duru held a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt and was a dedicated academic.

He served as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace and was the interim President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye Duru, whom he married in 2003, and their children.