Tinubu, Nollywood Stars Mourn Veteran Actor Francis Duru at 57
President Bola Tinubu, Nollywood actors, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and fans have mourned veteran actor and filmmaker Francis Duru, who has died at the age of 57.
Duru’s family announced his death in a statement shared on his official Instagram account on Friday, saying he passed away following a brief 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.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues, industry leaders and admirers, who celebrated his contributions to the Nigerian and African film industries.
President Tinubu expressed sadness over the actor’s death and extended his condolences to his family, colleagues, fans and the wider entertainment industry.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Duru’s passing as a painful loss to Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative community.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Francis Duru, extending his heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry.”
The Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Audu, described Duru’s death as a personal heartbreak and a major loss to African cinema.
Audu recalled the late actor’s commitment to the festival and his support for upcoming talents, noting that he consistently travelled to Kaduna to mentor emerging filmmakers and actors, regardless of financial constraints.
“He was not merely a guest at our festival; he was a genuine friend of the vision, a consistent supporter of our mission. With or without money, Francis would always find a way to make his journey to Kaduna to mentor emerging talent,” Audu said.
Veteran actor Kanayo Kanayo also paid tribute to Duru in a post on Instagram, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.
“A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother,” he wrote.
Actress Kate Henshaw expressed her grief, writing, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends.”
Similarly, Mercy Johnson-Okojie described herself as overwhelmed by the loss, saying she was “too tired and speechless” to express her feelings.
Actress Stephanie Linus also described Duru’s death as tragic and heartbreaking, while praying for strength for his family to bear the loss.
Actor and politician Desmond Elliot wrote, “Sad indeed! Rest in God’s grace. A true thespian has gone home!”
The AGN President, Abubakar Yakubu, also mourned the deceased, describing him as another great thespian lost to the entertainment industry.
“Another great thespian gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru!” he wrote.
Duru enjoyed a career spanning several decades and became one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces. He was particularly remembered for playing Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake.
He also featured in several other productions, including Sound and Rhythm of Love, Blood Money, One Chance and Merry Men.
Born in Cameroon to parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt before establishing himself in the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond acting, he was known for mentoring younger practitioners and supporting initiatives aimed at developing emerging talent.
His death marks a significant loss to Nollywood, where he earned recognition for his versatility, experience and contributions to the growth of African cinema.
