Oscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Is Dead

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has passed away at the age of 95.

His PR agency, speaking on behalf of his wife Luciana, said Robert Duvall died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.

“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court,” she said.

 “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.”

Al Pacino, who starred alongside Duvall in The Godfather, called it an honor to work with him.

He added: “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.”

Robert Duvall had a career spanning six decades, often portraying strong, complex characters.

He played mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather films and a commanding army officer in Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam epic Apocalypse Now.

His line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” remains iconic despite limited screen time.

Coppola described Duvall’s death as a “blow” and remembered him as a key part of American Zoetrope from the start.

Duvall had toned down the originally extreme character of Captain Carnage, turning him into Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore.

“I did my homework,” Duvall told Larry King in 2015. “I did my research.”

Tributes poured in following the news. Adam Sandler shared photos from their time on Hustle (2022), calling Duvall “funny, strong, and one of the greatest actors we ever had.”

“Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with … sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences.”

Jamie Lee Curtis posted a picture of him as Tom Hagen, calling him “the greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen.”

Robert Patrick, who played his on-screen son in Jayne Mansfield’s Car (2013), said he felt “gutted” and fondly remembered their talks about movies and barbecue.

“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,” he wrote.

Duvall received seven Oscar nominations and won Best Actor in 1983 for Tender Mercies, where he played a struggling country singer.

His other notable roles included a corporate bully in Network (1976), a Marine officer in The Great Santini (1979), parts in The Handmaid’s Tale (1990), and The Judge (2014) with Robert Downey Jr.

He often said his favorite role was Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the 1989 mini-series Lonesome Dove, adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel.

His film debut came in 1963 as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, a performance praised for its quiet, powerful impact.

Duvall also wrote and directed The Apostle (1997), playing a preacher starting anew in Louisiana after a crime.

Jane Seymour, his co-star in The Stars Fell on Henrietta (1995), shared memories of enjoying barbecue and tango with him, calling those moments as memorable as his work on screen.

KanyiDaily also reported that Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, popularly known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died at 71.