Nollywood actor Francis Duru dies at 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, best known for his role as Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake, has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family disclosed his death in a statement published on the actor’s official Instagram page early Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their support and prayers.

“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 statement read.

Duru, who began his acting career in 1989, gained prominence for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, a film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe in 1995. The performance helped establish him as a familiar face in the Nigerian film industry.

His death comes months after he publicly rejected reports that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness. In June, the actor addressed footage circulating online about his health, describing it as false and criticising those spreading the claims in a video shared on Instagram.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru spent his early years in the country, where he completed his primary and secondary education before relocating to Nigeria for university.

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

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Duru entered the film industry in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. He subsequently built a career spanning several decades, appearing in numerous Nigerian productions, including Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).

His work earned him industry recognition, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. In 2007, he also received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in recognition of his influence on young people.

Beyond acting, Duru contributed to the administration of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, serving as its interim president in 2010. That same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.