President Bola Tinubu and leading figures in Nollywood have mourned veteran actor Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
Duru’s family announced his death in a statement posted on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support.
“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.
A family source told Channels Television that the actor died at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday at the National Hospital Abuja.
The family has not disclosed the specific illness that led to his death.
In a condolence message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Duru’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the country’s creative community.
The President acknowledged the contributions of veteran actors to the growth of Nollywood, particularly their role in shaping its artistic identity, nurturing emerging talent and projecting Nigerian stories and culture to audiences at home and abroad.
He said Duru’s contributions would remain part of the industry’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to comfort his family, friends, colleagues and fans.
He reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the entertainment industry’s contribution to national development and Nigeria’s international image.
Duru rose to national prominence in 1995 for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the crime drama produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The role helped establish him as one of the familiar faces of Nollywood’s formative years.
His acting career began in 1989 with Missing Mark. He went on to feature in numerous films, including Blood Money, Stigma, One Chance, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Mboputa.
Beyond acting, Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010. He was also nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that year and received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
His death has drawn tributes from colleagues, including veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, who described him as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.
“A consummate actor has left the stage,” Kanayo wrote on Instagram. “One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace my brother.”
The Actors Guild of Nigeria also paid tribute to Duru, describing him as a great thespian. Other actors and filmmakers, including Desmond Elliot, expressed sadness over his death and celebrated his contribution to Nollywood.
Duru’s death comes two years after the loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
The family has yet to announce funeral arrangements.
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