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Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who reportedly passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 57, after a brief illness. His death marks another loss for an industry that has benefited from his decades of contributions to Nigerian filmmaking.
Duru’s death was confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who announced the sad development and expressed grief over the loss. The actor’s passing has prompted renewed attention to his long-standing career and influence within the entertainment sector.
The late actor rose to prominence through memorable performances in Nigerian films, particularly the 1995 action drama Rattlesnake, in which he played Ahanna. His ability to portray diverse characters earned him recognition among movie lovers and established him as one of Nollywood’s familiar faces across generations.
Beyond acting, Duru also contributed to the development of the film industry and served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010. He received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 for his positive influence on young people and later won the Best Actor in a Leading Role — Igbo award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.
His death leaves a significant gap in the Nigerian entertainment community, with his work remaining part of Nollywood’s cinematic history. As tributes emerge, colleagues, fans and admirers are expected to remember him for his memorable screen performances and years of service to the industry.
