10 memorable films of late actor Francis Duru

The death of veteran actor Francis Duru has cast a pall over the Nigerian film industry, bringing renewed attention to a career spanning more than three decades.

57-year-old Duru died after a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family on his verified Instagram page on Friday.

The family did not disclose details of the illness and asked for prayers and understanding.

Born Francis Ogide Duru on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, he had his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and graduated in 1996.

He began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. Still, he rose to national prominence in 1995 when he played Ahanna in the classic Rattlesnake, produced by the late Amaka Igwe.

From the home-video era to the streaming age, Duru remained a familiar face, featuring in hundreds of productions across genres.

Beyond acting, he served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010, won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for Mboputa, and was named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007.

His debut film, where he started his professional acting journey.

His breakout role as Ahanna, which made him a household name.

One of the defining ritual-themed thrillers of late 90s Nollywood.

Part of his work during Nollywood’s home-video boom of the 2000s.

Showcased his versatility in the mid-2000s era.

A drama that kept him relevant into the 2010s.

An HIV-themed drama where he played a counsellor, starring alongside Hilda Dokubo and Jackie Appiah.

The hit action-comedy where he played Inspector Jack.

A later-career drama that extended his work into the digital era.

His Netflix thriller, in which he played Pere, follows youths fleeing an oil-polluted community.

Duru’s career mirrored Nollywood’s evolution, from VHS tapes to cinema blockbusters and global streaming platforms.

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