PORT HARCOURT — The Nigerian film industry was thrown into deep grief in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and University of Port Harcourt alumnus, Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The announcement was confirmed in an official statement released by his family via the actor’s verified Instagram page, as well as by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu.
”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 family stated.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru grew to become one of modern Nollywood’s most enduring and versatile actors. He spent a significant portion of his formative academic years in the South-South region, enrolling at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1996.
Duru made his screen debut in 1989 in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko, before shooting into national prominence in 1995 after portraying the iconic lead character Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic movie Rattlesnake. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he featured in dozens of acclaimed productions, including The Good Husband, Blood Vessel, and Mboputa—a performance that earned him the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond his creative achievements, Duru was appointed a United Nations Ambassador for Peace in recognition of his advocacy for youth empowerment and community development. He collaborated extensively with international development organizations, including UNICEF, USAID, LEAP Africa, and COMPASS, to promote youth welfare and education across Africa.
His passing comes just months after he publicly debunked viral media speculation regarding his health in June 2026, assuring fans of his vitality. Duru and his family had also suffered a deeply painful loss in August 2024 following the demise of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi. He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and three children.
The sudden news of his death has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Rivers State, the South-South region, and the global Nigerian film community, with colleagues and fans celebrating his immense artistic legacy and humanitarian work.
You Might Also Like
