Nollywood actors have expressed grief over the death of their colleague, Francis Duru, describing his passing as a devastating loss to the Nigerian film industry. They paid tribute to the veteran performer, whose contributions to Nollywood spanned several decades.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Duru died on Friday at the age of 57 following a brief illness, less than two years after the death of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi.

Following the news of his demise, several Nollywood stars took to their social media pages to express their sadness and honour his memory.

Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo described Duru as a consummate actor and one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.

In a post on his Instagram page, Kanayo wrote, “A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Similarly, actress Stephanie Linus described the actor’s death as tragic and heartbreaking, while praying for God to comfort his family during the difficult period.

She wrote, “Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. RIP Francis Duru.”

Meanwhile, Mercy Johnson-Okojie admitted that she was overwhelmed by the news and struggled to find the right words to express her grief.

In her tribute, she stated, “Too tired and speechless about this loss.”

Actress Kate Henshaw also reflected on the fleeting nature of life as she prayed for the late actor’s soul to rest in peace and for his family to find comfort.

She said, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends. God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.”

Francis Duru rose to prominence for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic film, Rattlesnake. He went on to build a career spanning more than three decades, earning recognition as one of Nollywood’s respected performers.

President Bola Tinubu has described the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the country’s creative community.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Duru died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, leaving colleagues, fans and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry mourning his passing.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the actor’s death and extended his condolences to Duru’s family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

The President also sympathised with the Nigerian film industry over the loss of an actor whose talent and dedication contributed to the growth of Nollywood.

Tinubu acknowledged the significant role played by veteran actors such as Duru in developing the country’s movie industry, noting their contributions to its artistic identity and the nurturing of emerging talents.

He further highlighted how Nigerian actors have helped promote the country’s stories, culture and values to audiences both locally and internationally.

According to the President, Duru’s contributions to Nollywood would remain an important part of the industry’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

He noted that the legacies of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society continue to endure even after their death.

Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and fans the strength to bear the loss.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image.

Princess Ekeinde, daughter of popular Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has spoken about the pressure of constantly being compared to her famous mother and the expectations associated with growing up in a prominent family.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Princess made the revelation during an appearance on The Chat show.

She explained that while children from wealthy and influential families may enjoy financial privileges and access to opportunities, they also face personal struggles that are often overlooked by the public.

According to her, being the first child and first daughter in her family comes with the responsibility of protecting the family’s reputation and upholding the legacy established by her parents.

Princess also lamented that people frequently compare her with her mother in terms of beauty, status, achievements and talent, while constantly asking whether she intends to pursue an acting career like Omotola.

Speaking on the show, she said:

“Us, nepo babies. Yes, it is good that we were born with a silver spoon; trust me, we have our struggles. People don’t actually see the struggles we face, but we have our own struggles.

“For me, it’s trying to keep my family legacy. You know, as the first child, the firstborn, and the first girl, the mantle is on me to represent my family and position myself and my family in the best light.

“People are always comparing me to my mum, whether it is status, beauty, or talent. People ask me if I am going to be an actress like my mother. And it’s so annoying; first of all, I am not Omotola, I am Princess. Let’s get this straight.”

Princess further explained that her mother ventured into acting because of her personal passion, stressing that her own career choices should not automatically be expected to follow the same path.

She added that being born into a famous family can sometimes deprive children of the freedom to live their lives without public scrutiny, as people often feel entitled to dictate their decisions, including their careers, dressing and relationships.

She said:

“Secondly, my mummy went into acting because that’s what she is passionate about. How are you sure that’s what I want to do with my life? At some point, your life no longer becomes your own. You share so much of your life with these people, and you feel like they own you.

“They own what you do, what you say, how you dress, the people you date. It’s ridiculous; there is a lot of pressure.”

The actress’s daughter also highlighted how Nigerian society often associates the actions of children from prominent families with their parents, rather than viewing them as individuals.

According to her, when children of celebrities make mistakes, the public often identifies them by their parents’ names, placing additional pressure on them to avoid damaging their families’ reputations.

She explained that instead of being recognised as Princess, individuals are frequently labelled as the daughters or sons of famous personalities, making it difficult for them to establish their own identities.

Princess noted that the fear of bringing shame or negative publicity to her family adds to the burden of growing up in the public eye.