Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has confirmed, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than three decades in Nigerian film and television.
The actor, filmmaker and academic was widely known for his role as Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film directed by Amaka Igwe. His death has prompted renewed attention to his contributions to Nollywood, where he built a reputation through performances in films and television productions over several decades.
His family announced the news in a statement shared on his official Instagram page, expressing appreciation for the support and prayers of fans and well-wishers.
“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 made his screen debut in 1989 in the feature film Missing Mark. Six years later, his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake helped establish him as a recognised face in Nigerian entertainment. The film became one of the notable productions associated with the development of modern Nollywood.
Throughout his career, Duru appeared in several other productions, including Blood Money, Mama Sunday, Total Control, Home in Exile, Mboputa and Stigma. His work across different productions reflected a career that extended beyond a single defining role.
Away from acting, Duru pursued formal training in the performing arts, earning a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt. He also worked as a filmmaker and academic, combining his involvement in the entertainment industry with an interest in theatre and education.
His contributions extended to professional and humanitarian activities. He served as an interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace, roles that added to his public profile beyond film and television.
Duru’s death marks the loss of an actor whose career began in the early years of Nigeria’s modern film industry and continued across multiple decades of its development. His performances in productions such as Rattlesnake remain among the works associated with his name.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye Duru, whom he married in 2003, and their children. His family has asked for prayers, love and understanding as they mourn his passing.
