Francis Duru

Francis Duru
Duru in 2019.
Born
Francis Ogide Duru

(1969-07-27) 27 July 1969 (age 55)
Cameroon
NationalityNigerian
Alma materUniversity of Port Harcourt
OccupationActor
Years active1989-Present
SpouseAdokiye Duru
Children4

Francis Duru listenⓘ (born July 27, 1969) is a Nigerian actor who in 2007 received the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on the youths.[1][2] In 2010, Duru was appointed as the interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)[3] and also in the same year was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Early life and education

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.Sc. degree in Theatre Arts.[5][1]

Career

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 Rattle Snake[6][5] a movie produced by now deceased director; Amaka Igwe.[7] He played a significant role in a character called Ahanna.[8][9]

Award

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]

Humanitarian works

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]

Personal life

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]

Selected filmography

  • 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) 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)
  • Narrow Escape (1999) as Emmanuel 2
  • Blood Money (1997) as Jude
  • Rattle Snake (1995) as Ahanna
  • Iva (1993)
  • Missing Mark (1989)

Awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Category Film Result Ref
2020 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actor in a Lead role –Igbo Mboputa Won [12]

References

  1. ^ a b "Francis Duru 5 things you should know about "Mama Sunday" actor". www.pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  2. ^ a b Aikomo, Oluwamuyiwa (2019-07-27). "Actor Francis Duru Celebrates 50th Birthday". Nollywood Alive. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  3. ^ a b c "I'll act Majek better than Fashek - Francis Duru". Vanguard News. 2010-11-05. Archived from the original on 2022-05-06. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  4. ^ "Actor, Francis Duru Marks His Birthday With Cute Photos". GhGossip. 2021-07-27. Archived from the original on 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
  5. ^ a b c "Young actors more interested in fame not talent –Francis Duru". Punch Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  6. ^ "Flash Back Friday! Flash Back To Movie 'Rattle Snake". www.pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  7. ^ "Amaka Igwe would forever be remembered for creating some interesting characters that would even outlive her. They include: Peaceful Peace, Chief Fuji, Alika (all of Fuji House of Commotion). There are also Nduka, Bennie, Akpan and Barry Hughes. Anne Hasthrope (Checkmate), Segun Kadiri and Ahanna (Rattlesnake). | Encomium Magazine". Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  8. ^ "Francis Duru Top 5 films of the talented actor". www.pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  9. ^ Willie, Akwaowo (2018-04-12). "Throwback Thursday: 'Rattlesnake', Nollywood's First Action Movie". Connect Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  10. ^ Augoye, Jayne (2020-12-07). "BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss (Full List of Winners)". Archived from the original on 2020-12-07. Retrieved 2021-06-13.
  11. ^ "On my wedding day, I went to church without shoes — Francis Duru". Vanguard News. 2019-02-24. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  12. ^ Augoye, Jayne (2020-12-02). "2020 BON: Here are 5 nominees for 'Best Kiss' category". Archived from the original on 2020-12-02. Retrieved 2021-10-11.