Francis Duru Explained
Francis Duru |
Birth Name: | Francis Ogide Duru |
Nationality: | Nigerian |
Birth Date: | 1969 7, df=yes |
Birth Place: | Cameroon |
Alma Mater: | University of Port Harcourt |
Occupation: | Actor |
Years Active: | 1989-Present |
Children: | 4 |
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) 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] [3] 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.
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[4] a movie produced by now deceased director; Amaka Igwe.[5] He played a significant role in a character called Ahanna.[6] [7]
Award
Duru was a recipient of the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on the youths.[8] He won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award in 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Mboputa.[9]
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,[10] Duru has worked with UNICEF, USAID, LEAP AFRICA and COMPASS.
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
- Blood Vessel (2023) as Pere
- The Locals (2021) as Headmaster
- The Good Husband (2020) as Theophilus
- Mboputa (2020)
- Why Not? (2019) as Frank
- (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)
Notes and References
- Web site: Francis Duru 5 things you should know about "Mama Sunday" actor. www.pulse.ng. 2019-12-09.
- Web site: Aikomo. Oluwamuyiwa. 2019-07-27. Actor Francis Duru Celebrates 50th Birthday. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126152936/https://nollywoodalive.com/actor-francis-duru-celebrates-50th-birthday/. November 26, 2020. 2019-12-09. Nollywood Alive. en-US.
- Web site: 2021-07-27. Actor, Francis Duru Marks His Birthday With Cute Photos. 2021-07-28. GhGossip. en-AU.
- Web site: Flash Back Friday! Flash Back To Movie 'Rattle Snake. www.pulse.ng. 2019-12-10.
- Web site: 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. en-US. 2019-12-10.
- Web site: Francis Duru Top 5 films of the talented actor. www.pulse.ng. 2019-12-10.
- Web site: Throwback Thursday: 'Rattlesnake', Nollywood's First Action Movie. Willie. Akwaowo. 2018-04-12. Connect Nigeria. en-GB. 2019-12-10. 2019-12-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20191210141938/https://connectnigeria.com/articles/2018/04/throwback-thursday-rattlesnake-nollywoods-first-action-movie/. dead.
- Web site: Young actors more interested in fame not talent –Francis Duru. Punch Newspapers. en-US. 2019-12-09.
- Web site: Augoye. Jayne. 2020-12-07. BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss (Full List of Winners). 2021-06-13. en-GB.
- Web site: I'll act Majek better than Fashek - Francis Duru. 2010-11-05. Vanguard News. en-US. 2019-12-09.
- Web site: On my wedding day, I went to church without shoes — Francis Duru. 2019-02-24. Vanguard News. en-US. 2019-12-09.
- Web site: Augoye. Jayne. 2020-12-02. 2020 BON: Here are 5 nominees for 'Best Kiss' category. 2021-10-11. en-GB.