Editor
Nollywood actors are paying tribute to veteran performer Francis Duru after his death at 57. His colleagues are celebrating his acting talent and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s film industry.
Duru’s family announced his death in a statement published on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026. He reportedly died after a brief illness.
The news has drawn tributes from colleagues, including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kate Henshaw, Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Stephanie Linus, who expressed sorrow over the loss.
In a tribute shared on Instagram, Kanayo described the late actor as a consummate performer whose versatility and prolific career set him apart in the industry.
“A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother,” he wrote.
Henshaw also mourned Duru, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life while praying for his soul to rest in peace and for his family to find comfort.
Kate wrote, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends.”
Johnson-Okojie expressed her grief in a brief message, admitting that the loss had left her struggling to find words.
“Too tired and speechless about this loss,” she wrote.
Linus described Duru’s death as a heartbreaking tragedy and prayed for strength for his bereaved family.
“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.”
Duru gained widespread recognition for playing Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed film directed by Amaka Igwe. He subsequently built a career spanning more than three decades, establishing himself as a familiar face in Nollywood.
His death also came about two years after the loss of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, a personal tragedy that drew sympathy from fans and colleagues.
Duru’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues remembering him for his performances and the legacy he leaves behind.
