President Bola Tinubu, Nollywood practitioners, the Actors Guild of Nigeria and fans have mourned veteran actor and filmmaker, Francis Duru, following his death at the age of 57.
Duru’s family announced his death in a statement posted on his official Instagram account on Friday, expressing gratitude to well-wishers for their support.
The statement read, “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.”
Tributes have since poured in from colleagues, industry leaders and organisations, who celebrated his contributions to Nollywood and the wider African film industry.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to Duru’s family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President described the actor’s death as a painful loss to Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative community.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Francis Duru, extending his heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry.”
The Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Audu, described Duru’s death as both a personal heartbreak and a devastating blow to African cinema.
He said, “Francis was not merely a guest at our festival; he was a genuine friend of the vision, a consistent supporter of our mission. With or without money, Francis would always find a way to make his journey to Kaduna to mentor emerging talent.”
Actor Kanayo Kanayo, in a tribute shared on his Instagram page, described Duru as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.
He wrote, “A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother.”
Actress Kate Henshaw also mourned Duru, writing, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends.”
Similarly, actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, expressed her grief, saying, “Too tired and speechless about this loss.”
Actress, Stephanie Linus, described his death as tragic and heartbreaking, praying for strength for his family to bear the loss.
Actor and politician, Desmond Elliot, wrote, “Sad indeed! Rest in God’s grace. A true thespian has gone home!”
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, also paid tribute to the deceased, writing, “Another great thespian gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru!”
Duru’s career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as one of Nollywood’s recognisable performers. He was particularly remembered for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake.
He also featured in productions including Sound and Rhythm of Love, Blood Money, One Chance and Merry Men.
Born in Cameroon to parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt before building a career in the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond acting, he was regarded as a mentor to younger practitioners and was involved in initiatives aimed at supporting emerging talent.