Francis Duru: key obituary facts
Is Francis Duru dead? Yes. Francis Duru died on October 23, 2026, at age 57.
Cause of death: Francis Duru's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Francis Duru known for?
He was a Nigerian actor.
More about Francis Duru
Born: 1 January 1969.
Place of birth: Cameroon.
Gender: male.
Occupation: actor.
Nationality: Nigeria.
Career began: 1989.
Francis Duru, Nigerian actor known for Blood Money, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Blood Vessel, died on October 23, 2026, aged 57.
Born in Cameroon on July 27, 1969, to Nigerian parents from Imo State, he completed his primary and secondary education there. He later moved to Nigeria to pursue a B.Sc.
and was admitted to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. Duru began acting in 1989, and his career continued through 2026. His film credits included work in Nigerian cinema, among them the three titles for which he is noted: Blood Money, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons and Blood Vessel. In 2007, he received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on young people. In 2010, he was appointed interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, taking on a leadership role in the organization. That same year, the Africa Movie Academy Awards nominated him for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The award, guild appointment and nomination marked three distinct forms of recognition during his career: for his influence on young people, his service in the actors’ association and his work as a supporting actor. His career spanned more than three decades, from its start in 1989 to 2026.