# Nollywood legend Francis Duru dies at 57 after brief illness

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/nollywood-legend-francis-duru-dies-at-57-after-brief-illness/
- Published: 2026-10-23T04:07:20+00:00
- Author: Olamide

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

 

The sad news was officially confirmed by his family in a statement published on 
his verified Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026. According
to the release, the iconic screen star passed away after a brief battle with an 
undisclosed illness.

 

The statement reads: “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.”

 

![A portrait photo of veteran Nigerian actor Francis Duru with a statement text 
overlay announcing his passing following brief illness ](https://i0.wp.com/www.lindaikejisblog.
com/photos/shares/IMG_9361_1792719322.jpeg?resize=1290%2C1833&ssl=1)

 

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National President, Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed
the passing of the veteran thespian.

 

A University of Port Harcourt Theatre Arts graduate, Duru became a household name
playing “Ahanna” in the 1995 classic Rattlesnake directed by Amaka Igwe. His career
spanned over thirty years, earning him deep respect as a Nollywood icon and recognition
as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace for youth advocacy. 

 

May his soul  Rest in Peace.

 

![Portrait photo of Francis Duru with tribute from actors guild of Nigeria ](https://
i0.wp.com/www.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/IMG_9364_1792720358.jpeg?resize=
1290%2C1922&ssl=1)

 [Source link ](https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2026/10/nollywood-legend-francis-duru-dies-at-57-after-brief-illness.html)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has passed away at the age of 57 following 
a brief illness, as confirmed by his family and the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Rising to fame in the 1995 classic Rattlesnake, Duru enjoyed a celebrated career
spanning over three decades in the film industry.

He was also widely respected as a Nollywood icon and served as a United Nations 
Ambassador of Peace for youth advocacy.

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