Francis Duru, the veteran Nollywood actor, has died at the age of 57. His family announced his death on Friday, 23 October 2026, after what they called a brief illness. A family source told Channels Television that he died at about 10 p.m. on Thursday at the National Hospital in Abuja. Tributes have since poured in from colleagues and fans.
Francis Duru at a glance
| Born | 27 July 1969, in Cameroon |
| Died | Thursday night, 22 October 2026, aged 57 |
| Best known for | Ahanna in Rattlesnake (1995) |
| Career | Acting, directing and filmmaking, spanning over 30 years |
| Leadership | Former interim president, Actors Guild of Nigeria |
| Survived by | His wife and two children |
First, Duru will always be remembered as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake. The role made him a household name. For many Nigerians, he remains the bold young man whose story helped shape the early years of Nollywood.
Second, his career lasted more than three decades. He worked as an actor, director and filmmaker. In addition, he appeared in films such as One Chance. Kanayo O. Kanayo called him one of the most flexible and prolific performers Nigeria ever produced.
Third, he earned recognition for his craft. In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his work in Mboputa. He also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year.
Fourth, he gave back to the industry through leadership. Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. The current AGN president, Abubakar Yakubu, paid tribute and described his death as the loss of another great figure in the film industry.
Finally, his story carried personal pain. Duru lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024. Earlier this year, he also dismissed social media reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. His death came five weeks after the industry lost another icon, Olu Jacobs.
Duru was born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, according to reports. He later studied at the University of Port Harcourt. Meanwhile, the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, also acknowledged his passing.
His family has not disclosed further details about the illness. Sojworldnews will update this report with funeral arrangements when they are announced.
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