Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor Francis Duru, Dies at 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, popularly known for his role as Ahanna in the classic movie Rattlesnake, has died at the age of 57.

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

According to the family, Duru passed away following a brief illness.

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

The family expressed appreciation to friends, colleagues and fans for their prayers, love and understanding, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June 2026, the actor described the reports and footage portraying him as seriously ill as fabricated and malicious.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru relocated to Nigeria for his university education. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

He began his acting career in 1989, featuring in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

However, he gained wider recognition in 1995 after starring in Amaka Igwe’s action film Rattlesnake, in which he played Ahanna, a role that became one of the defining performances of his career.

Over the years, Duru established himself as a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry, earning recognition for his contributions to Nollywood. He was named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his positive influence on 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 married to Adokiye in 2003, and the couple had four children. The family suffered a personal tragedy in August 2024 following the death of their son, Ifeanyi.

His death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose work helped shape Nigerian cinema, particularly during the rise of Nollywood’s influential productions in the 1990s.

As tributes emerge, colleagues, fans and admirers are expected to remember the actor for his memorable screen performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.