Nollywood actor Francis Duru, star of Rattlesnake, dies at 57

Nollywood actor Francis Duru, best known for playing Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake, has died at the age of 57. His family announced the death on Friday, 23 October, in a statement posted on his verified Instagram page.

"We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness," the statement said, asking for prayers and understanding.

For many Nigerians who grew up on Nollywood's early films, Duru was one of the faces that made the industry what it is today. His role as the troubled anti-hero Ahanna in Amaka Igwe's Rattlesnake is still remembered decades later.

A career built on training and range

Duru was born in Cameroon to parents from Imo State. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt and graduated in 1996, at a time when many actors entered the industry without formal training.

He first appeared on screen in 1989's Missing Mark. Over more than three decades he moved from leading roles to character parts, and he remained active in recent years.

In 2020 he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his work in Mboputa.

His death comes only months after he publicly denied social media rumours that he was terminally ill. In June this year he dismissed the claims quietly, without drama.

Duru married his university sweetheart, Adokiye, in 2003. They had four children. In August 2024 the family lost their 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi.

Colleagues and fans have been paying tribute since the announcement, and a new generation is rediscovering his films on streaming platforms.

What happens next: The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements. They have asked for prayers and understanding as they mourn.