Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, best known for his role as Ahanna in the 1995 classic film Rattlesnake, has died at the age of 57.
Duru’s death was announced by his family in a statement shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
The family said the actor died following a brief illness but did not disclose the nature of the illness.
“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,” the statement read.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, also confirmed the actor’s death in a tribute shared on the guild’s social media page.
“Another great thespian gone….Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” Yakubu wrote.
Duru was one of the familiar faces of Nigeria’s film industry, with a career spanning more than three decades.
He rose to prominence through his portrayal of Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the 1995 film produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. The role helped establish him as a recognised figure in Nollywood.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru later moved to Nigeria, where he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
He began his acting career in 1989, making his film debut in Missing Mark, before going on to feature in several productions, including Blood Money, Stigma and Mboputa.
His performance in Mboputa earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award in the Igbo-language category at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond acting, Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his influence on young people.
His death comes months after he dismissed social media reports suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June 2026, the actor described footage circulated online about his health as false and misleading.
However, his family has not publicly disclosed the specific illness that preceded his death.
Duru’s passing marks the loss of a veteran performer whose work contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry over several decades.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced in the reports reviewed.
