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

The family announced his death in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement shared on his verified official Instagram page.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the development.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru began his professional acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, but gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 classic, Rattlesnake.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he established himself as one of the versatile actors who contributed immensely to the growth of Nollywood.

His death comes two years after he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and fans across the entertainment industry.