The Nigerian Film Industry has suffered a great loss as Francis Duru, dies at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

​His family confirmed the sad loss of the veteran actor on Friday in a statement shared on his official Instagram.

“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.”

Duru’s death hits the entertainment industry as a thunderbolt, a month after the loss of Olu Jacobs, another Nollywood veteran.

Francis was born on the 27th July, 1969, to a Nigerian parent in Cameroon and hails from Imo State, South East, Nigeria.

He had his primary and secondary schooling in Cameroon before he returned to Nigeria for his tertiary education.

Since entering the entertainment industry in his youthful days, he brought vibes and enthralling excitement to the industry, staring “Missing Mark” in 1989, a film which was directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

However, he made an unforgettable impression when he featured as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s iconic crime-drama ‘Rattlesnake’ making a landmark performance that drew him closer to every home.

In 2020, he took home the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003 and the couple had four children.

Unfortunately, in August 2024, he lost his son, Ifeanyi.

He is survived by his wife, three children.