The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of respected veteran actor Francis Duru,who has passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
His death was officially confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who broke the news on social media to express grief over the loss of another pillar of the industry.
A prominent figure in Nollywood whose career spanned over three decades, Duru became a household name following his active entry into the profession in 1989. A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, he delivered iconic performances in numerous classic and contemporary Nigerian films and served the guild as interim president in 2010. News of his passing comes just months after the actor publicly dismissed false health rumours that had circulated online regarding his physical appearance.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media platforms as colleagues, fans, and entertainment stakeholders remember his remarkable contribution to the growth and development of Nollywood.
The news of his death follows months after the late actor publicly addressed and dismissed viral online health rumors that had surfaced regarding changes in his physical appearance on set.
He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, whom he married in 2003, and their four children. Tributes from fellow filmmakers,actors, and fans across the continent continue to pour in, celebrating his long-standing legacy and contributions to African storytelling.
