Death has again stung Nollywood as thoroughbred actor and producer, Francis Duty, has passed on.
Duru, who was one of Nollywood’s pioneers, died on Friday, October 23, 2026, following a brief illness.
He became a household name after playing Ahanna in the 1990s film Rattlesnake. His family announced his death on his official Instagram page.
With his departure at the age of 57, fans of the Nigerian film industry will remember several articulate talents who had passed, especially before the ripe age.
Among such were:
- Nelson Gold (Age 22): A fast-rising actor and University of Nigeria graduate who tragically slumped and passed away in June 2018, just days after celebrating his birthday.
- Olami Day David (Age 14): A talented child actor known for his role in the film Cobweb, who passed away in January 2016 following severe internal injuries from a football accident.
- Favour Daniels (Age 26): A popular and fast-rising comic actress and internet skit maker who died in a tragic boat accident in February 2023.
- Clem Onyeka (Age 37): A well-known actor who appeared in films like Sorrowful Kingdom and lost his life in Asaba after being hit by a stray bullet during a crossfire.
- Patrick “Energy” Okoye (Age 41): An actor, dancer, choreographer, and mentor who passed away in May 2026.
- J.T. Tom West (Age 40): A vibrant early-Nollywood star who starred in action and dramatic films like Otondo and died in a car crash in September 2006.
- Adejumoke Aderounmu (Age 40): The beloved actress best known for her role as Esther in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, who passed away in April 2024.
- Murphy Afolabi (Age 49): A popular Yoruba Nollywood actor and filmmaker who passed away in May 2023 after a fatal bathroom fall.
- Alexx Ekubo (1986–2026) – Popular Nollywood actor who died on May 11, 2026, at age 40 following complications from kidney cancer as reported by PM News Nigeria.
- Allwell Ademola (1976–2025) – Veteran actress, producer, and scriptwriter who died on December 27, 2025, at age 43 after a heart attack.
- Junior Pope (John Paul Odonwodo, 1981–2024) – Well-known actor who tragically died at age 39 in a boat accident on the Anam River in April 2024.
- Mr. Ibu (John Okafor, 1961–2024) – Iconic veteran comic actor who passed away on March 2, 2024, at age 62 after battling health complications.
- Amaechi Muonagor (1962–2024) – Celebrated veteran actor known for numerous classic Nollywood roles, who died in March 2024.
- Sisi Quadri (Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, 1979–2024) – Beloved Yoruba film actor who passed away on March 1, 2024, at age 44.
- Ethel Ekpe (1963–2024) – Veteran actress famous for playing Segi in the classic sitcom Basi and Company, who died on February 7, 2024, after battling cancer.
- Jimi Solanke (1942–2024) – Veteran actor, poet, and dramatist (“Uncle Jimi”) who passed away on February 5, 2024, at age 81.
- Sharon Okpamen (1989–2024) – Actress and producer who died on August 24, 2024, at age 35 due to childbirth complications.
- Yusuf Olorungbebe (died 2024) – Respected Yoruba actor and production manager who passed away on August 28, 2024.
- Muna Obiekwe (1979–2015) – Popular lead actor who died on January 18, 2015, from kidney disease.
- Sam Loco Efe (1945–2011) – Legendary veteran comic actor who passed away in August 2011 at age 66.
- Justus Esiri (1942–2013) – Icon of Nigerian cinema and AMVCA-winning veteran who died in February 2013 at age 70.
- Bukky Ajayi (1934–2016) – Veteran screen legend who passed away in July 2016 at age 82.
- Martins Njubuigbo (“Elder Maya”, 1937–2016) – Veteran actor known for traditional and elder roles, who died in June 2016 at age 74.
- Rachel Oniga (1957–2021) – Beloved veteran actress who passed away in July 2021 at age 64.
- Victor Olaotan (1952–2021) – Lead actor of the hit TV series Tinsel, who died in November 2021 at age 69.
- Chizoba Boye (died 2020) – Actress and producer well-known in the Igbo-language and broader Nollywood space, who passed away in May 2020.
- Ernest Asuzu (1984–2021) – Popular actor of the 2000s era who passed away in January 2021 at age 36
