The death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru at 57 has brought renewed attention to the life and career of a performer whose contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry spanned more than three decades.

Duru, who died on Friday, October 23, 2026, following a brief illness, became a household name after playing Ahanna in the 1990s film Rattlesnake. His family announced his death on his official Instagram page.

Beyond his memorable performances, however, the actor had a multifaceted career that encompassed filmmaking, academic pursuits, humanitarian work, faith-based service and mentorship.

From his encounter with legendary playwright Ola Rotimi to his decision to settle in Abuja, here are 10 things many Nigerians did not know about the late actor.

Although widely identified with Nollywood and his southeastern Nigerian roots, Duru was born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State.

He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before moving to Nigeria to pursue higher education.

He hailed from Eziama in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, maintaining his Nigerian identity despite being born and raised partly outside the country.

Duru initially aspired to study Law or Mass Communication, but his university admission plans took a different turn after he sat for JAMB three times. He said the cut-off marks kept rising, and he eventually accepted an opportunity to study Theatre Arts.

What began as an alternative to his original academic ambitions became the foundation for a career spanning more than three decades in Nollywood.

While many viewers associate Duru with Rattlesnake, his film career began with an earlier production.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission lists Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko, as his movie debut

Duru offered a different account of the film’s production timeline in a January 2025 interview with Punch. He recalled that his first movie, which he referred to as The Missing Mask, was shot around 1992 or 1993; however, some published biographies date his film debut to 1989

According to the actor, he was living in Choba after completing his first degree when producers from Aba approached him about appearing in an Igbo-language film.

He described the opportunity as a case of preparation meeting opportunity, explaining that his professional training had prepared him for the role.

One of the most revealing stories Duru shared about his career involved legendary Nigerian playwright Ola Rotimi.

In a January 2025 interview, Duru recalled performing in Rotimi’s 1992 stage play, Spokesman for the Oracle.

During the performance, he broke a glass with his hand and sustained an injury. Although Rotimi was impressed by the performance, he reprimanded the young actor for concealing the cut and blood, stressing the importance of safety on stage.

Duru recalled that Rotimi subsequently drove him home and prepared yam and stew for him.

The actor said he was surprised when the playwright, who had just scolded him, showed him such kindness.

Duru later attempted to wash the plates after eating, despite Rotimi having told him not to. When Rotimi discovered this, he offered the advice Duru would remember throughout his career.

“He told me, ‘You are a bloody good actor, but don’t let it get into your head,” Duru recounted.