Francis Duru, one of Nollywood’s most respected actors, has stirred deep emotions across social media as he marked the one-year remembrance of his beloved son, Anyi, who passed away in 2024. In a deeply personal tribute shared on August 7, 2025, the veteran actor described the pain of losing a child as an ever-bleeding wound that no time can heal.
The heartbreaking post, shared on his official Instagram page, featured a photo of his late son and a message that read: “One year gone… yet the pain is as fresh as the very day I held your lifeless body. My boy, my pride, my Anyi… I miss you endlessly.” The tribute immediately drew thousands of reactions from fans, colleagues, and fellow parents who resonated with his grief.
Duru, known for his emotive roles in Nigerian classics like Rattle Snake and Mama Sunday, has kept much of his private life away from the spotlight. However, this moment of vulnerability has reminded many of the fragility behind fame and the depth of a father’s love. His post also contained a short video montage of his son’s life moments — from laughter-filled childhood clips to quiet family memories.
The actor used the moment to advocate for stronger mental health support systems for grieving parents, saying, “No parent should have to walk this valley alone. It’s dark. It’s cold. It’s unending.” His words sparked a conversation among followers, many of whom began sharing their own stories of loss and healing.
Several Nollywood stars including Kate Henshaw, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Rita Dominic flooded the comment section with messages of support. The Actors Guild of Nigeria also released a statement expressing solidarity and prayers for the Duru family, calling Anyi’s memory “a light that will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew him.”
Duru’s post has since gone viral, amassing over 80,000 likes and sparking hashtags like #RememberingAnyi, #FrancisDuru and #ParentingThroughGrief. For many, it wasn’t just a tribute—it was a mirror reflecting their own silent pains, a call for empathy, and a reminder that even the strongest hearts sometimes break.
As the industry mourns with him, Duru has asked for continued prayers and privacy for his family, writing: “We are learning to smile again, but the emptiness remains. Fly high, my son. Until we meet again.”
