Veteran Nollywood actor, director and filmmaker Francis Duru has died at the age of 57.

His family officially announced his passing in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page on Friday morning, October 23, 2026.

According to the statement, the celebrated actor, widely known for his role in the classic film Rattlesnake  passed away peacefully following a brief illness.

Duru was a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry, earning recognition for his contributions as an actor and filmmaker.