Duru was widely known for his role in the classic Nollywood film Rattlesnake, which helped establish his place among the memorable faces of Nigerian cinema. Over the years, he built a career spanning acting, directing and filmmaking.
By TheInvestigator
Veteran Nollywood actor, director and filmmaker Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.
His family announced his death in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page on Friday morning, October 23, 2026.
According to the announcement, Duru passed away peacefully after a brief illness. His death marks a sad moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where he earned recognition for his contributions to film and television.
Duru was widely known for his role in the classic Nollywood film Rattlesnake, which helped establish his place among the memorable faces of Nigerian cinema. Over the years, he built a career spanning acting, directing and filmmaking.
