Richard 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. 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 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.A. 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 Rattlesnake a movie produced by now deceased director; Amaka Igwe. He played a significant role in the movie as the character Ahanna.
Award Duru was a recipient of the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award for his positive influence on the youths. He won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award in 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Mboputa.
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 reputable Nigerian print media called the Vanguard, 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.
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) as 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) Laraba (2000) Narrow Escape (1999) as Emmanuel 2 Blood Money 2 (1998) as Jude Blood Money (1997) as Jude Rattlesnake (1995) as Ahanna Iva (1993) Missing Mark (1989)
Awards and nominations YearAward ceremonyCategoryFilmResultRef2020Best of Nollywood AwardsBest Actor in a Lead role –IgboMboputa
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