Hollywood mourns the loss of Robert Duvall, the veteran actor whose performances left an indelible mark on cinema, at the age of 95. He died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to a statement released by his wife, Luciana, via his public relations team.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana said. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.”
Duvall’s career spanned over six decades, during which he became known for portraying powerful, complex characters. He earned acclaim for playing Tom Hagen, the loyal consigliere in The Godfather and its sequel, and for his role as Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, delivering the now-famous line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” Francis Ford Coppola, who directed both films, called his passing “a blow” and remembered him as “such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning.”
The actor’s preparation and attention to detail were legendary. Speaking to Larry King in 2015, Duvall said of his approach to roles: “I did my homework. I did my research.” His influence extended beyond cinema, as he helped shape how characters could feel real and relatable, even in epic narratives.
Tributes poured in from colleagues across the industry. Al Pacino said it was “an honour” to have worked with him, adding, “He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.” Adam Sandler shared memories from filming Hustle, calling him “funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had.”
Other actors, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Robert Patrick, also remembered him fondly. Curtis wrote: “The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen. Bravo, Robert Duvall.” Patrick reflected on their friendship, saying, “Over the years I would call Bobby and we'd talk movies and barbecue. He loved barbecue and I'd always let him know when I was having it in Lockhart, Texas. I will miss Bobby. I will always be proud that I got to play his son. Rest in peace my friend.”
Luciana’s statement emphasized Duvall’s dedication to truth and craft: “For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.
In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”
Duvall earned seven Oscar nominations and won Best Actor in 1983 for Tender Mercies. His body of work also includes Network, The Great Santini, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Judge, in which he starred with Robert Downey Jr. He often cited his favorite role as Augustus McCrae in the 1989 TV mini-series Lonesome Dove, adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel.
He made his film debut in 1963 as Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird. Alec Baldwin later praised the performance: “When he did To Kill A Mockingbird he just destroyed you with his performance of Boo Radley, he used not a single word of dialogue, not a single word, and he just shatters you.”
Beyond acting, Duvall wrote and directed 1997’s The Apostle, portraying a preacher who begins a new life after a crime in Louisiana. Jane Seymour, who worked with him on The Stars Fell on Henrietta, fondly recalled shared moments off-camera: “We were able to share in his love of barbecue and even a little tango. Those moments off camera were just as memorable as the work itself.”
Robert Duvall leaves behind a remarkable legacy, one that captures the depth, intensity, and humanity he brought to every role. From subtle performances to commanding presence on screen, his influence on American cinema is enduring.
