Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, dies at 57; Kanayo, Kate Henshaw, Mercy Johnson, others mourn

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Share on TwitterShare on Whatsapp Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.

The family made the announcement of his death in a statement posted on the actor’s verified Instagram account.

“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 peace. Amen,” the statement read on his Instagram page.

Also, Mr Abubakar Yakubu, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also confirmed the actor’s death on the group’s instagram page.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” AGN wrote on its page.

Duru was a veteran actor known for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

He gained prominence through his roles in Nollywood productions, including the 1995 film, ‘Rattlesnake’ and featured in several Nollywood blockbusters. Duru Meanwhile, Some Nigerian actors have expressed grief over the death, describing him as a talented performer whose contributions to the film industry would be remembered.

His passing comes just two years after the tragic loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, leaving fans and the film industry in deep mourning. Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, in a tribute shared on his Instagram page, described Duru as a consummate actor and one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers. “A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother,” Kanayo wrote. Actress Kate Henshaw also mourned Duru, reflecting on the brevity of life and praying for the repose of his soul. “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends,” she wrote, adding a prayer for God to grant Duru eternal rest and comfort his loved ones. Similarly, actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie expressed her grief, saying she was too overwhelmed by the loss to find the words to describe her feelings. “Too tired and speechless about this loss,” she wrote. Actress Stephanie Linus described Duru’s death as tragic and heartbreaking, praying for strength for his family to bear the loss. “Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. RIP Francis Duru,” she wrote. The tributes reflect the grief of Duru’s colleagues over the loss of a fellow actor whose performances endeared him to audiences. Duru rose to fame for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic film Rattlesnake, building a career that spanned more than three decades in the Nigerian film industry. Yakubu also described his death as an immeasurable loss to the creative sector. The AGN helmsman described Duru as “an iconic actor, a revered veteran and an exceptional practitioner”. “Beyond his remarkable performances, he was a mentor and inspiration to generations of practitioners. “He nurtured emerging talents, leaving behind not only a remarkable body of work, but also a legacy of excellence, discipline and professionalism,” he said. Yakubu said Duru’s contribution to the growth and development of the Nigerian movie industry would remain a lasting reference point for practitioners. “Indeed, Francis has written his name on the sands of time. His artistic legacy transcends generations,” he said. The AGN president expressed condolences to Duru’s family, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss. “We mourn him, and we pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Yakubu said. The report of Duru’s death has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes. @Happy wrote, “Rest in peace, Francis Duru. This is a real reminder that none of us are promised tomorrow. Thank you for the memories on screen”. @Jay commented, “I always saw him at Family Worship Church here in Abuja. A very jovial and down-to-earth guy. God rest his soul”. @BhurteeFFS! wrote, “God rest his soul. He made our childhood, mehn”. @Enebeli commented, “Terribly saddened to hear of his demise. I remember him most as Ahanna in ‘Rattle Snake’. An enormous talent. Rest in peace”. @ReallyChiggy wrote, “An era is ending. Only a few are remaining. The generation that gave Nollywood a face is going really fast, I pray for Duru’s soul to rest in peace”. @Mafia Boss said, “Life expectancy is now 55 years? Then we need to develop this country and improve healthcare for people to live longer”. @Madam Gist wrote, “We should endeavour to monitor our health. May the Lord comfort his family”. @Obi said, “And all this struggle for a day that can be taken away from us anytime”. Duru, born on July 27, 1969, hailed from Imo State. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. Duru debuted in the Nigerian movie industry in 1989 with a movie titled Missing Mark, and came to limelight after featuring in the 1995 acclaimed action-comedy ‘Rattlesnake,’ playing the character ‘Ahanna’. He featured in many Nollywood films and won several awards, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in ‘Mboputa’. Besides acting, Duru also worked extensively with local and international NGOs in order to ensure that African children have a better education and a higher standard of living. In 2007, he received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on youths.

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