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Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57, His heartfelt Tribute to His Wife
Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57, His heartfelt Tribute to His Wife
Francis Duru
Francis Duru
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57, barely four months after dismissing reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. His death has cast a shadow over the Nigerian film industry, with his heartfelt words to his wife, Adokiye, resurfacing as tributes pour in for the actor.
Duru’s family announced his death in a statement posted on his verified Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, 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.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, also confirmed the development in a social media post, describing Duru as a great thespian.
“Another great thespian is gone. Rest in peace, Francis Duru,” Yakubu wrote.
Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, equally announced the actor’s passing, saying further details would follow.
But amid the grief, Duru’s words to his wife during their 23rd wedding anniversary celebration have taken on a poignant meaning.
In the anniversary message, the actor poured out his appreciation for Adokiye, acknowledging her patience, sacrifices and unwavering commitment to their family throughout their years together.
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“It’s 23 years stuck together, glued together…looks like yesterday,” he wrote.
He went on to thank her for the role she had played in their marriage and family life, describing her as their “anchor” and “strong tower”.
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“DOX THANK YOU SO MUCH for making it so worthwhile… your tolerance, perseverance, your endless sacrifice for the family… father in all YOU REMAIN OUR ANCHOR… OUR STRONG TOWER,” he wrote.
The actor also expressed gratitude to God for blessing him with a good wife and a wonderful family.
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The message has resurfaced following news of his death, offering a glimpse into the bond he shared with the woman who stood beside him for more than two decades.
Duru’s death comes months after he addressed widespread speculation about his health. In June, a video showing him looking frail circulated on social media, prompting concern among fans and colleagues that he was seriously ill.
The actor subsequently released a video on Instagram, dismissing the reports and accusing those behind the circulating footage of spreading false information.
“I have never been that sick and will never be that sick. And by God’s grace, we keep being stronger and stronger,” he said at the time.
He also criticised those he accused of exploiting people’s misfortunes to generate online traffic.
Born on July 27, 1969, to Nigerian parents from Imo State in Cameroon, Duru began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.
He gained wider recognition in 1995 when he played Ahanna in Rattlesnake, the acclaimed film produced by the late Amaka Igwe. The role helped establish him as one of the recognisable faces of Nollywood’s emerging generation of actors.
Over the years, Duru built a career spanning film and television, earning recognition for his performances and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa. He was also named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his influence on young people.
Away from the screen, Duru’s life was marked by family devotion and faith. He and Adokiye married in 2003 and had four children. The family suffered a devastating loss in August 2024 when their son, Ifeanyi, died.
In an interview reported by entertainment media, Duru spoke about returning to church a day after burying his son, describing how he continued to face his responsibilities while dealing with grief.
His death has now brought renewed attention to the words he wrote to his wife, celebrating their enduring bond and thanking her for the sacrifices she made for their family.
For an actor who spent decades bringing other people’s stories to life on screen, Duru leaves behind a body of work that helped shape Nigerian popular entertainment, as well as personal words of gratitude that have taken on a new significance following his passing.
Adokiye,Francis Duru,Nollywood actor
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![Francis Duru debunks terminal illness as his appearance raises concern online [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/mediatoday.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Francis-Duru-.jpg?resize=400%2C240&ssl=1?v=1781962639 "Francis Duru debunks terminal illness as his appearance raises concern online [VIDEO] 61")
![Francis Duru debunks terminal illness as his appearance raises concern online [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/mediatoday.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Francis-Duru-.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1?v=1781962639 "Francis Duru debunks terminal illness as his appearance raises concern online [VIDEO] 62")
