 |
| Image:Facebook |
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement shared on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
The family expressed gratitude to fans, friends and colleagues who had continued to show the actor love and support throughout his career.
Although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain limited, the announcement has prompted tributes from members of the Nigerian film industry, many of whom have celebrated his contributions to Nollywood.
Abubakar Yakubu, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), also confirmed the development through a social media post. In his brief tribute, Yakubu described Duru as another great thespian whose passing represents a significant loss to the acting community.
Duru was a familiar face in Nigerian films, earning recognition for his acting abilities and his contribution to the growth of the country’s movie industry. Over the years, he built a career that connected him with audiences across different generations.
His death has also revived memories of concerns surrounding his health earlier this year. In June, a video showing the actor looking noticeably frail circulated on social media, raising questions about his wellbeing.
However, Duru subsequently addressed the speculation in a video posted on his Instagram account. He rejected claims that he was suffering from a life-threatening illness, describing the circulating footage as misleading and malicious.
At the time, the actor thanked his supporters for their concern and prayers while insisting that the reports did not accurately represent his condition.
He also criticised those responsible for spreading the footage, accusing them of using misleading content to attract online attention.
The development had temporarily eased concerns among some of his followers, who welcomed his response and continued to wish him good health.
His death has now brought renewed sadness to fans who had followed his career and remembered his previous reassurance about his wellbeing.
Beyond his work on screen, Duru’s career reflects the dedication of performers who have helped shape Nollywood into one of Africa’s most prominent entertainment industries.
His passing is a reminder of the personal and professional losses experienced by the industry as it continues to evolve.
As tributes emerge from colleagues and admirers, many are expected to remember him for his performances, his years of service to Nigerian cinema and the connections he established with audiences.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria and the wider Nollywood community are mourning the loss of a colleague whose presence formed part of the country’s entertainment history.
For his family, friends and devoted fans, the immediate focus remains on grieving his passing and celebrating the memories he leaves behind.
Further details about funeral arrangements and other commemorative activities had not been provided in the family’s initial announcement.
#NollywoodTimes
#Nollywood
No comments:
Post a Comment