Nollywood mourns Francis Duru, dies at 57 after brief illness

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family announced his death on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their support.

“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.

His death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. According to Punch, concern spread among fans and colleagues in June after a video showing the actor looking frail circulated online. Duru responded with an Instagram video describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru relocated to Nigeria for university, studying Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and graduating in 1996.

He began acting in 1989 and rose to wider fame in 1995 with Rattlesnake, playing Ahanna.