His family confirmed the tragic news in a statement today, revealing that the veteran actor died on Friday morning after a brief illness.
Duru was widely regarded as a founding pillar of modern Nollywood. He shot to superstardom in 1995 for his unforgettable role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic crime thriller, Rattlesnake.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Duru delivered powerhouse performances in over a hundred movies, including recent hits like Blood Vessel and Merry Men.
Beyond his acting brilliance, he was a United Nations Ambassador of Peace and a passionate mentor to a generation of younger actors.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria has expressed profound shock at his passing, describing him as a rare gem whose creative genius shaped the golden age of Nigerian cinema. He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children.
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