Renowned Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family announced the tragic news on his verified Instagram account in the early hours of Friday, expressing appreciation to fans and well-wishers for their outpouring of prayers and support.

"We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen," the statement read.

Widely celebrated for his iconic role as Ahanna in the 1995 classic film Rattlesnake, the actor became a household name for his acting prowress and iconic roles in dozens of movies over the years

Duru's passing comes only months after the actor publicly debunked rumors concerning a severe health battle.

Earlier in June, a video showing the actor looking frail circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking intense concern among colleagues and admirers.

The actor subsequently addressed the rumors on Instagram, dismissing the footage as fabricated and malicious.

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