Nollywood Super Star Francis Duru Bids Mother Earth Goodbye At 57

Secrets Reporters

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57, his family announced in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, bringing the curtain down on a career that helped shape modern Nigerian cinema.

The family broke the news in a statement posted on the actor’s verified Instagram page, saying he passed on after a brief illness. “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 statement read.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, confirmed the death in a post of his own. “Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” he wrote. The founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, also confirmed the passing.

Born on July 27, 1969, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and had been on screen since 1989. He shot into national fame as Ahanna in the classic film Rattle Snake and went on to feature in scores of movies across more than three decades. In 2010 he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Only months ago, in June 2026, the actor came out to dismiss rumours that he was terminally ill after a video of him at a movie location raised concern among fans. He had also lived through personal tragedy in August 2024, when he lost his 15 year old son, Ifeanyi.