‘Consummate actor has left the stage’ – Kanayo, others mourn Francis Duru

Nollywood actors have mourned the death of their colleague, Francis Duru, describing him as a talented performer whose contributions to the film industry will be remembered.

Duru died on Friday at the age of 57 after a brief illness.

His death comes two years after he lost his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi, leaving fans and colleagues in the film industry in mourning.

Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, in a tribute on his Instagram page, described Duru as a complete actor and one of Nigeria's most versatile and prolific performers.

"A consummate actor has left the stage. One of Nigeria's most flexible, prolific performers. Rest in peace, my brother," Kanayo wrote.

Actress Kate Henshaw also mourned Duru, reflecting on life's brevity and praying for his soul's repose.

"Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends," she wrote, praying for God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.

Actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie said she was too overwhelmed by the loss to find words.

"Too tired and speechless about this loss," she wrote.

Actress Stephanie Linus described Duru's death as tragic and heartbreaking, praying for strength for his family.

"Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. RIP Francis Duru," she wrote.

Duru became popular for his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe's classic film Rattlesnake and built a career spanning more than three decades in Nollywood.

His family announced his death in a statement on his official Instagram page in the early hours of October 23, 2026.