Renowned actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his iconic roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has passed away at the age of 95. According to a statement from his public relations agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana, Duvall died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday.
Luciana reflected on their profound connection, stating, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.” She emphasized Duvall’s passion for his craft, which paralleled his deep affection for characters, culinary delights, and engaging conversations.
Al Pacino, Duvall’s co-star in The Godfather, paid heartfelt tribute, expressing that it was an “honor” to collaborate with him. He remarked, “He was a born actor; his connection and understanding of the craft, along with his phenomenal gift, will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
Duvall’s illustrious six-decade career featured numerous tough-guy roles, including the mafia consigliere in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. He also portrayed a commanding army officer in Coppola’s Vietnam epic, Apocalypse Now. Although his screen time was limited, his memorable line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” has become legendary.
Coppola described Duvall’s passing as “a blow,” acknowledging his significant contributions to American Zoetrope, the production company he founded. Originally, Duvall’s character in Apocalypse Now was to be more exaggerated, but he chose a more nuanced approach, leading to the character’s transformation from Captain Carnage to Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore. “I did my homework,” Duvall shared with veteran talk show host Larry King in 2015. “I did my research.”
As news of Duvall’s death spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Comedian Adam Sandler shared cherished memories from their collaboration on the 2022 film Hustle, stating, “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 condolences to his wife Luciana and all his family and friends.”
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis honored Duvall on Instagram, sharing a picture of him as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, declaring, “The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen. Bravo, Robert Duvall.”
Robert Patrick, who starred alongside Duvall in Jayne Mansfield’s Car, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Over the years, I would call Bobby, and we’d talk movies and barbecue. I will miss Bobby. I will always be proud that I got to play his son. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Luciana’s statement further highlighted Duvall’s dedication to his 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 received seven Oscar nominations throughout his career, winning the Best Actor award in 1983 for his portrayal of a washed-up country singer in Tender Mercies. His diverse filmography includes a bullying corporate executive in Network, a Marine officer in The Great Santini, and roles in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Judge alongside Robert Downey Jr.
He often cited his favorite role as Augustus McCrae, the Texas Ranger-turned-cowboy in the 1989 mini-series Lonesome Dove, based on Larry McMurtry’s novel. Duvall made his screen debut in the 1963 adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, delivering a haunting performance as the reclusive Boo Radley without uttering a single word. Alec Baldwin remarked in a tribute, “When he did To Kill A Mockingbird, he just destroyed you with his performance. He just shatters you.”
The screenplay for that film was penned by Horton Foote, who also collaborated with Duvall on several other projects, including Tender Mercies, Tomorrow, and The Chase. In the 1997 film The Apostle, which Duvall wrote and directed, he portrayed an evangelical preacher seeking redemption after committing a crime.
British actress Jane Seymour, who worked with Duvall on the 1995 film The Stars Fell on Henrietta, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reminiscing about their shared love of barbecue and even a little tango. “Those moments off camera were just as memorable as the work itself,” she wrote alongside a cherished photo of the two.
