Francis Duru (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.
Francis Duru | |
|---|---|
 Duru in 2019. | |
| Born | Francis Ogide Duru 27 July 1969 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | University of Port Harcourt |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1989-Present |
| Children | 4 |
Early life and education
editDuru 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
editDuru 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
editDuru 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
editDuru 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
editDuru and his wife Adokiye got married in 2003 and both have four children together. Duru and Adokiye both attended the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.[11]
Selected filmography
edit- Ugly Bird (2024) as Emenike
- 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
- Blood Money (1997) as Jude
- Rattle Snake (1995) as Ahanna
- Missing Mark (1989)
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Film | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actor in a Lead role –Igbo | Mboputa | Won | [12] |
References
edit- ^ a b "Francis Duru 5 things you should know about "Mama Sunday" actor". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c "I'll act Majek better than Fashek - Francis Duru". Vanguard News. 2010-11-05. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
- ^ "Actor, Francis Duru Marks His Birthday With Cute Photos". GhGossip. 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ a b c "Young actors more interested in fame not talent –Francis Duru". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
- ^ "Flash Back Friday! Flash Back To Movie 'Rattle Snake". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
- ^ "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". Retrieved 2019-12-10.
- ^ "Francis Duru Top 5 films of the talented actor". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (2020-12-07). "BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss (Full List of Winners)". Retrieved 2021-06-13.
- ^ "On my wedding day, I went to church without shoes — Francis Duru". Vanguard News. 2019-02-24. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (2020-12-02). "2020 BON: Here are 5 nominees for 'Best Kiss' category". Retrieved 2021-10-11.
External links
edit- Francis Duru at IMDb