Facts have emerged on how popular Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, passed away on Thursday at the age of 57.
Duru died following a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family in the early hours of Friday, October 23, on his official Instagram page.
“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.
Confirming the sad news, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, posted Duru’s photograph with the caption: “Another great thespian gone… Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” c8d6
However, the AGN President in a chat with our correspondent, disclosed that the late actor was not diagnosed with any underlying ailment at the time of his death.
According to him, Duru slipped into a coma three days ago, regained consciousness, but slipped back into coma on Thursday and did not survive.
Actor Charles Inojie also expressed shock in an Instagram post, writing: “Since the sad news of your untimely passing broke, I have lived in denial of the obvious reality, hoping against hope.”
“Hold up the emblem of our common artistic ancestry until we meet again as cast of Thespis final production on Hallelujah day,” Inojie wrote.
.He began his acting career in 1989 with “Missing Mark” directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko, but rose to prominence in 1995 after playing Ahanna in the action-comedy “Rattlesnake” produced by the late Amaka Igwe.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Duru became one of Nollywood’s most respected faces, featuring in numerous films including “Blood Money”, “Mboputa” and many others.
He was honoured as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007 for his positive influence on youths. In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in “Mboputa.” He also served as interim President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.
Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003 and they had four children. The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.
