By Felicia Odom 23.10.2026
Mercy Johnson and Kanayo 0. Kanayo have expressed over the death of their Nollywood colleague Francis Duru who died at 57.
Duru died at about 10 p.m. on Thursday at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), following an undisclosed illness. His death is coming two years after losing his 15-year-old son in tragic circumstances. Only in September Duru himself paid glowing tribute to late veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
In June 2026 there were rumours of him suffering a terminal illness, Duru dismissed the rumours saying they were “maliciously fabricated.”
Duru, known for his creative interpretation of roles, featured in numerous movies, including Missing Mark, Rattle Snake, as Ahanna, and One Chance.
“Rest well, legend,” Mercy Johnson wrote on her Instagram
“Too tired and speechless about this loss.”
Kanayo O. Kanayo, while mourning the demise of Duru, described him as one of the most flexible and prolific performers in Nigeria.
“A consummate actor has left the stage,” Kanayo said on his Instagram page.
“One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace my brother.”
Francis Duru...bows out.