Movie Star Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness

By Dipo Olowookere

Reports reaching Business Post indicate that popular Nigerian actor, Francis Duru, has died.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr Abubakar Yakubu, in a Facebook post in the wee hours of Friday, confirmed the death of the thespian.

“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” the leader of the actors’ group in Nigeria wrote.

Also confirming the news of the deceased role-interpreter was the founder of Best of Nollywood (BON), Mr Seun Oloketuyi.

“Francis Duru is dead. Details later,” he posted.

The family, in a message on the actor’s verified Instagram page, confirmed that Mr Duru died after 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 post read.

The late actor, who studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry. He had been active since 1989 and had featured in several movies.

In 2010, Mr Duru, who has four children and was born on July 27, 1969, was appointed as the interim president of AGN.

A few months ago, he debunked rumours that he was terminally ill after fans expressed worry over his physical appearance at a movie location.

Recall that two years ago, the actor lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, to the cold hands of death.

He had announced the demise of the boy via a post on Instagram, saying, “My champ! My lion, you fought like a lion. If this is the way he wants it, so be it. I still judge you faithful.”

He later disclosed that though the death of the child was painful, he moved on.

“I have never been quiet. The Saturday they buried my son, on Sunday I was in church doing what? Doing what I am supposed to do. Yes, trauma and all that stuff have been there, but I have never been quiet. It is not only movies I do; I also do theatre, I also do consultancy in different areas, and then I go to school.”