Nollywood veteran Francis Duru dies aged 57

Renowned actor and filmmaker Francis Duru passed away at 57 after a brief illness, his family announced on social media. President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences, describing the loss as a blow to the film industry. Fellow actors, including Kanayo and Kate Henshaw, paid tribute to his contributions.

What we know

• Francis Duru died at 57 following a short illness
• His family shared the news via an Instagram statement
• President Tinubu publicly mourned his passing

Why it matters: Duru’s death marks the loss of a celebrated figure whose work shaped Nollywood’s development and inspired many artists.

Sources

1. Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Passes Away at 57 | Read Family Statement – BellaNaija, 23 Oct 2026
2. Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies At 57 – Information Nigeria, 23 Oct 2026
3. PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH FAMILY OF NOLLYWOOD VETERAN, RICHARD FRANCIS DURU – State House Nigeria, 23 Oct 2026
4. Kanayo, Kate Henshaw, Others Mourn Late Actor Francis Duru – Information Nigeria, 24 Oct 2026

Updates

• 25 Oct, 22:09 WAT – Summary updated with new reporting
• 25 Oct, 18:18 WAT – Story published – 3 outlets

This page groups reports from the outlets above; headlines belong to their publishers. Summary written by our automated desk from multiple reports. How we work.

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