The family disclosed the actor’s death in a statement shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, expressing gratitude to fans, friends and well-wishers for their love, prayers and support.

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

The family also thanked supporters for their understanding and prayers, asking for peace for the late actor.

Duru’s death has brought sadness to Nollywood and his many fans, who have followed his career across several decades in the Nigerian film industry.

His passing comes months after the actor publicly dismissed reports circulating on social media that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June 2026, a video showing him appearing frail sparked concern among fans and colleagues.

Responding to the reports at the time, Duru shared a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as fabricated and malicious, urging the public not to believe the claims about his health.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru spent his early years in the country before moving to Nigeria for his university education.

He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. However, his breakthrough came in 1995 when he played Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

His performance in the film helped establish him as a recognisable face in Nollywood and laid the foundation for a career that spanned several decades.

Throughout his time in the industry, Duru earned recognition for his contributions to Nigerian cinema and his influence on younger generations. He was named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his work and influence among young people.

In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Beyond his professional achievements, Duru was a husband and father. He married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children. The family suffered a painful loss in August 2024 when their son, Ifeanyi, died.

Duru’s death marks the loss of an actor whose work formed part of the development of modern Nollywood. His performances, particularly his role in Rattlesnake, remain an important part of his contribution to Nigerian film.

As tributes emerge from fans and members of the entertainment industry, his passing is being mourned as the end of a career that helped shape the experiences of generations of Nigerian movie lovers.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia