Veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57, according to an announcement by his family on his official Instagram account.

The actor’s family made the announcement in the early hours of Friday, October 23, stating that Duru passed away following 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 family wrote.

The development comes one month after the death of another actor, Olu Jacobs, who reportedly died at the age of 84 after battling dementia with Lewy bodies for many years.

Francis Duru, whose full name was Francis Ogide Duru, was a veteran Nigerian actor and one of the familiar faces in Nollywood.

He was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. He grew up in Cameroon before moving to Nigeria for higher education.

He built an acting career that spanned more than 30 years in the Nigerian film industry.

Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, graduating in 1996.

His educational background helped prepare him for a professional career in acting and the performing arts. Before establishing himself in Nollywood, he gained experience in theatre and television, which contributed to his development as an actor.

Duru began his film career with Missing Mark in 1989. His breakthrough came with the 1995 film Rattlesnake, produced by Amaka Igwe, in which he played the character Ahanna. The film helped establish his reputation and opened the door to further opportunities in Nollywood.

Over the years, Duru appeared in numerous films, including Blood Money, Nnenda, The Good Husband, Eagle Wings, and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.

Beyond acting, he also worked as a film director, producer, writer, master of ceremonies, and television personality.

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 also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace Award in 2007 in recognition of his positive influence on young people.

Duru contributed to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry through professional leadership and mentorship. In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and held other positions within industry organisations.

He was married to Adokiye Duru, and they had four children. In August 2024, the family lost their son, Ifeanyi, at the age of 15. Speaking publicly about the loss in January 2025, Duru said the experience had deepened his faith in God.