Nollywood loses another veteran actor, Francis Duru

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and fans have mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Duru’s family announced his death through his verified Instagram account, revealing that he died after a brief illness.

According to ICIR, AGN National President Abubakar Yakubu paid tribute to the actor on Friday, praising his contributions to Nollywood.

Yakubu described Duru as “an iconic actor, a revered veteran and an exceptional practitioner”.

“Beyond his remarkable performances, he was a mentor and inspiration to generations of practitioners. He nurtured emerging talents, leaving behind not only a remarkable body of work, but also a legacy of excellence, discipline and professionalism,” he said.

Fans also expressed grief across social media platforms, recalling his memorable performances.

Born on July 27, 1969, Duru gained prominence through the 1995 film Rattlesnake.

He received several industry awards throughout his career, including recognition at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.