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

The family confirmed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.

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

The family expressed appreciation to those who had offered prayers and support, adding: “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s death in a social media post, describing him as a great thespian.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” Yakubu wrote.

Duru was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry, with a career spanning several decades. He gained wider recognition for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake, a production that remains a notable work in the history of Nollywood.

Born in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria for his university education. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.

His career began in 1989 with Missing Mark, before he went on to feature in numerous Nigerian films, establishing himself as a versatile actor whose performances resonated with audiences across generations.

In 2010, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year. He won Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

His death comes two years after the actor lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024, a tragedy that drew widespread sympathy from colleagues and fans.

Further details surrounding his funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of filing this report.