Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died on Friday, October 23, 2026, was one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s film industry. With a career spanning more than three decades, he earned recognition for his performances in several films, particularly the classic Rattlesnake.
His death was announced by his family, who said he passed away following a brief illness.
- Birth: Francis Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State.
- Education: He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
- Acting career: He began his acting career in 1989 and became one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces.
- First movie: He is widely reported to have made his film debut in The Missing Mask, although accounts differ on the production’s exact year.
- Breakthrough role: He gained widespread recognition for playing Ahanna in the classic Nollywood film Rattlesnake.
- Other movies: His film credits include Blood Money, Nnenda, Home in Exile, Stigma and Mboputa.
- Award: He won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for Mboputa.
- Guild leadership: He served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
- Family tragedy: In 2024, he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi. He later spoke publicly about how the tragedy strengthened his Christian faith.
