Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru passed away at the age of 57 in the early hours of Friday following a brief illness.
His family announced the news of his death in a brief notice published on the actor’s official Instagram page, urging the public to grant them privacy during their time of mourning.
“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 incident occurred just months after Duru dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening ailment. In June, a video of the actor looked frail circulated online, but he quickly shared a video describing the footage as fabricated and malicious.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru rose to nationwide prominence in 1995 for his lead role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic action-comedy, Rattlesnake.
Throughout his decades-long career, the University of Port Harcourt graduate earned numerous accolades, including a United Nations Ambassador of Peace honour.
Duru is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. His death comes two years after the family suffered the tragic loss of their son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
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