Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family confirmed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page early Friday, while thanking fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family also expressed appreciation for the love and understanding shown to them, praying for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
Duru’s death comes months after he denied reports that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness.
In June, a video showing the actor looking frail circulated on social media, sparking concerns among fans and colleagues over his health.
However, the actor later addressed the speculation in a video shared on Instagram, describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru moved to Nigeria for his university education after completing his early schooling.
READ ALSO: Nollywood Actress Tenia Abraham Dies At 32 After Battling Kidney Infection
He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
The actor began his career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.
He rose to prominence in 1995 after starring as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.
Over the years, Duru established himself as a recognised figure in the Nigerian film industry, earning several awards and honours for his contributions to Nollywood.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
The actor married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children. The family suffered the loss of one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.