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Francis Duru, Nollywood actor known for ‘Rattlesnake,’ dies at 57

Nigeria

“Francis Duru”

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Francis Duru, Nollywood actor known for ‘Rattlesnake,’ dies at 57

Francis Duru, the Nigerian actor whose performance as Ahanna in Rattlesnake made him a prominent face in Nollywood, died on October 23, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 57. His death was confirmed by Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Duru’s breakthrough came in 1995, when he starred in Amaka Igwe’s Rattlesnake, an action-comedy widely regarded as Nollywood’s first action film. Ahanna became one of the memorable characters in Nigerian film, and the role established Duru as a recognizable actor.

He had made his screen debut in 1989 in Missing Mark, directed by Ndubuisi Oko, and appeared in Iva in 1993. Duru went on to work in Nollywood for more than three decades, with credits including Blood Money, Home in Exile and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons.

Born Francis Ogide Duru on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, he completed his early education there before moving to Nigeria. He studied theatre arts at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State and graduated in 1996.

Duru also held a leadership role in the industry. In 2010, he was appointed interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the professional body representing actors. That year, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Outside acting, Duru advocated for better lives for African children. In 2007, he received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on young people. His career connected popular film roles with work in the guild and public service.

Tributes followed his death from fellow actor Kanayo O. Kanayo and Nigerian President Tinubu. The reported cause is a brief illness, but no specific diagnosis or further details about his final days have been given.

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