Actors, Fans Pay Tribute to Late Thespian Who Lost Son Two Years Ago

By Chioma Vivian James

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, whose family announced his passing on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 57, after a brief illness.

The announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, celebrities and fans, many of whom have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late actor and offer condolences to his family.

In a statement shared on his official Instagram page, the family announced his death and appealed for prayers and understanding during the difficult period.

“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.

Duru’s death comes about two years after he suffered the painful loss of his youngest son, Ifeanyi, in 2024.

Among those who expressed grief was the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who described the actor’s passing as the loss of another great talent.

“Another great thespian gone…. Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” he wrote.

Nollywood actor Kunle Remi also expressed sympathy, praying for divine comfort for the bereaved family.

“God, please comfort his family,” Remi wrote.

Celebrity fashion designer Yomi Casual reacted with disbelief, posting, “Lord!!!! please have mercy on us all.”

Actress Linda Ejiofor equally mourned the late actor, writing, “Ohhhh nooo. May his soul rest in peace.”

On X, formerly Twitter, the news of Duru’s death continued to attract emotional reactions, with fans sharing clips from his past performances and lamenting the loss of an experienced figure in the Nigerian film industry.

One user, Adebanji, with the verified handle @prinxe_B, shared a video in which Duru reportedly addressed rumours about his health shortly before his death.

Reacting to the video, the user expressed sadness that the actor had died despite appearing to dismiss reports about his condition days earlier.

Duru was a familiar face in Nollywood, with a career that earned him recognition among audiences and colleagues. His death marks another painful loss for the Nigerian entertainment industry, as tributes continue to pour in for the actor whose work left a lasting impression on many viewers.

As family, friends, colleagues and fans mourn his passing, many have continued to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.