Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family confirmed his death in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026, expressing appreciation to fans, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement read.

The family added: “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the development in a social media post, paying tribute to the late actor.

Duru was widely recognised for his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The role helped establish him as a familiar face in Nollywood and contributed to his enduring popularity among Nigerian film audiences.

Born on July 27, 1969, Duru began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark. Over more than three decades, he appeared in numerous Nigerian film and television productions, including Blood Money and Merry Men.

Beyond his acting career, Duru also contributed to the professional development of the industry. He served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received recognition for his performances. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

His death comes months after he publicly dismissed speculation about his health. In June 2026, a video circulating on social media sparked concern among fans, prompting the actor to reject claims that he was seriously ill.

The family’s announcement attributed his death to a brief illness but did not disclose further medical details.

Duru’s passing represents a loss for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where he built a career spanning several decades. His performances in film and television made him a recognisable figure to audiences across generations.

Tributes from colleagues, fans and other industry stakeholders have begun to emerge following news of his death. Details of his funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of reporting.

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at 57 following a brief illness, his family has confirmed. The actor was widely known for his role in Rattlesnake.