Nigerian actor
Francis Duru |
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 Duru in 2019. |
| Born | Francis Ogide Duru
(1969-07-27) 27 July 1969 (age 54)
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| Nationality | Nigerian |
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| Alma mater | University of Port Harcourt |
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| Occupation | Actor |
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| Years active | 1989-Present |
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| Children | 4 |
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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[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 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 both have four children together. Duru and Adokiye both attended the University of Port Harcourt.[11]
