Tragedy Strikes Nollywood: Veteran Actor Duro Michael Passes Away At 67

Veteran Nollywood actor, Duro Michael, has sadly passed away at the age of 67, prompting a wave of grief within the Nigerian film industry. The news of his demise was announced by Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop via an Instagram post, where he also expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of mutual support among practitioners in the industry. Ontop revealed that Michael had succumbed to a terminal illness a few days prior to the announcement.

In his social media lament, Stanley Ontop wrote, “Nollywood actor Duro Michael has kicked the bucket. He died a few days ago after battling a terminal illness… may his soul rest in peace. Omo, it’s well ooo. We no dey help ourselves in this Nollywood, and it’s too bad… No synergy.” This highlights a recurring concern about welfare and collaboration among Nollywood professionals.

Duro Michael had been battling health issues for a considerable period. In 2022, while bedridden, he received significant financial assistance amounting to ₦5 million from Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin to aid in his treatment. Despite this support, his health unfortunately deteriorated further. By 2024, the actor found himself in a difficult position once again, publicly appealing to producers for financial aid and more opportunities to act, reflecting his desire to continue working despite his challenges.

Throughout his career, Duro Michael was featured in a number of notable Nollywood productions, showcasing his talent and versatility. Among his known works are the film “Midnight Love” released in 2003, and “The Guilty” from 2006. His passing marks the loss of a dedicated performer who contributed to the rich tapestry of Nigerian cinema.