Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor Francis Duru at 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has reportedly died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, according to a statement attributed to his family.
The announcement was reportedly made on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, with the family expressing appreciation to fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers, love and support during the difficult period.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.
The family also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, thanking supporters for their understanding and encouragement.
Duru’s reported death comes months after concerns were raised over his health following the circulation of a video showing him looking frail. The footage sparked speculation about his condition, which the actor subsequently dismissed in a video posted on Instagram, describing the claims as fabricated and malicious.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his early education there before moving to Nigeria for higher education. He later established himself as a familiar face in the Nigerian film industry, earning recognition for his contributions to Nollywood.
The actor married his wife, Adokive, in 2003, and the couple had four children together. However, the family suffered a devastating loss in August 2024 following the death of one of their children, Ifeanyi.
Duru’s reported passing has sparked emotional reactions among fans and colleagues, many of whom have expressed shock and sadness over the news.