Francis Duru

Duru was born on July 27, 1969^[2][4] in Cameroon to Nigerian parents who hail from Imo State, a Southeastern geographical location of Nigeria. He received both primary and secondary school education in Cameroon but in order to obtain a B.Sc. degree, he moved to Nigeria where he applied to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State in the South-south region of Nigeria and was accepted as an undergraduate to study Theatre arts. In 1996, he obtained a B.A. degree in Theatre Arts.^[5][1]

Duru debuted in the Nigerian movie industry in 1989 with a movie titled Missing Mark. The movie was directed by the now deceased director; Ndubuisi Oko. Duru’s feature in the movie did not do enough for his career as at the time he was still regarded as an up-and-coming actor.

Duru became more prominent in the Nigerian movie industry in 1995 after featuring in an action-comedy movie titled Rattlesnake^[6][5] a movie produced by now deceased director; Amaka Igwe.^[7] He played a significant role in the movie as the character Ahanna.^[8][9]

Duru was a recipient of the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on the youths.^[5] He won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award in 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Mboputa.^[10]

Duru has worked extensively with local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to ensure that African children have a better education and a higher standard of living. According to a Nigerian reputable print media called the Vanguard,^[3] Duru has worked with UNICEF, USAID, LEAP AFRICA and COMPASS.^[3]

Duru and his wife Adokiye got married in 2003 and have four children together. Duru and Adokiye both attended the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.^[11]

• Ugly Bird (2024) as Emenike
• Abigail's Memoir (2024) as Mr. Bassey
• Blood Vessel (2023) as Pere
• The Locals (2021) as Headmaster
• The Good Husband (2020) as Theophilus
• Mboputa (2020)
• Why Not? (2019) as Frank
• Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018) as Inspector Jack
• Who Killed Chief? (2017) as Chief Greg
• Lipstick (2016) as Nedu
• Mortuary Gate (2014) as Paulinus
• Stigma (2013) as Counsellor
• Sister of Virtue (2012) as Kelechi
• Home In Exile (2010)
• Nnenda (2009)
• Always Mine (2009) as Obieze
• Breaking Heart (2009) as Johnbull
• Entanglement (2009)
• Bless My Soul (2008) as Emeka
• Lumba Boys (2008)
• One On One (2008)
• Worst Enemy (2008)
• Laviva (2007)
• Final War (2007)
• Gods Of No Mercy (2007)
• Great Ambassadors (2007)
• House In Crisis (2007) as Uchenna
• Love And Likeness (2007) as Mezie
• Persecution (2007)
• Rhythm Of Love (2007)
• Royal Grandmother (2007) as Azubuike
• Short Of Time (2007) as Naira
• Silent Whispers (2007)
• Total War (2007) as Pastor Henry
• Warriors Of Satan (2007)
• Will Of God (2007)
• Clash Of Interest (2006) as Kalu
• Forces Of Nature (2006) as Vincent
• My Girl Friend (2006)
• My Little Secret (2006)
• Personal Assignment (2006) as Melum
• Soul Engagement (2006)
• Soul Engagement II (2006)
• Soul Engagement III (2006)
• Sound Of Love (2006) as Silas
• Sound Of Love II (2006)
• Sweet Sound (2006)
• Sweet Sound II (2006)
• Tears From Holland (2006)
• Tears From Holland II (2006)
• Upside Down (2006) as Patrick
• Upside Down II (2006)
• Without Apology (2006)
• Without Apology II (2006)
• Cold War (2005) as Obinna
• Price of Destiny (2004)
• Set-Up (2000)
• Laraba (2000)
• Narrow Escape (1999) as Emmanuel 2
• Blood Money 2 (1998) as Jude
• Blood Money (1997) as Jude
• Rattlesnake (1995) as Ahanna
• Iva (1993)
• Missing Mark (1989)