Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose career spanned more than six decades. Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, at the age of 95, according to a statement from his wife, Luciana.
Tributes from Hollywood
Al Pacino, his co-star in The Godfather, called Duvall “a born actor” whose “phenomenal gift will always be remembered.” Robert De Niro added, “God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I’m 95. May he rest in peace.”
Adam Sandler shared photos from their time filming Hustle in 2022, describing Duvall as “funny as hell, strong as hell.” Viola Davis recalled working with him on Widows, saying she was “in awe” of his towering portrayals.
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who cast Duvall in both The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, called his passing “a blow,” praising him as “an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning.”
A Career of Iconic Roles
Duvall earned seven Academy Award nominations and won Best Actor in 1984 for Tender Mercies. His unforgettable line in Apocalypse Now—“I love the smell of napalm in the morning”—cemented his place in cinematic history.
He debuted in 1963’s To Kill a Mockingbird as Boo Radley, a silent yet haunting performance. Other notable roles included The Great Santini, Network, The Apostle, and Lonesome Dove, which he often cited as his favorite.
Jamie Lee Curtis praised him as “the greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen,” while Michael Keaton remembered afternoons spent talking horses with him, calling Duvall “greatness personified.”
Personal Legacy
Beyond his screen work, Duvall was known for his love of barbecue, tango, and storytelling. His wife Luciana described him as “simply everything,” adding that his passion for craft was matched by his deep love for life. Actor Walton Goggins, who worked with Duvall on The Apostle, called him “my North Star, my hero,” while Robert Patrick remembered sharing countless conversations about movies and barbecue.
Robert Duvall leaves behind a legacy defined by authenticity, versatility, and a commitment to truth in performance. As Viola Davis said, “Greatness never dies. It stays… as a gift.”
