Robert Duvall, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in iconic films such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” has passed away at the age of 95.
Duvall, an Oscar winner for his performance in “Tender Mercies,” died “peacefully” at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to a statement released by his PR agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall stated. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.”
Al Pacino, Duvall’s co-star in “The Godfather,” offered a touching tribute, noting it was an “honor” to have worked alongside him.
“He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered,” Pacino added. “I will miss him.”
Duvall carved out a remarkable six-decade career, often portraying memorable tough-guy roles, including the mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II.”
He also played the stern Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore in Coppola’s Vietnam War epic, “Apocalypse Now.”
Though his screen time was limited, his line in the 1979 classic, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” achieved legendary status.
Coppola described Duvall’s passing as “a blow.”
“Such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning,” Coppola shared in a statement on Instagram, referring to his production company.
Originally, Duvall’s character in “Apocalypse Now” was intended to be more outlandish, but Duvall grounded the role, resulting in the character’s name being changed from Captain Carnage to Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore.
“I did my homework,” Duvall told veteran talk show host Larry King in 2015. “I did my research.”
Tributes began to surface shortly after the news of Duvall’s death circulated.
Adam Sandler, the American comedian and actor, posted photographs of himself with Duvall from their time filming the 2022 film “Hustle.”
“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, another Oscar winner, shared a tribute on Instagram alongside a picture of Duvall as Tom Hagen in “The Godfather.”
“The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen. Bravo, Robert Duvall.”
Robert Patrick, Duvall’s co-star in the 2013 film “Jayne Mansfield’s Car,” in which he played Duvall’s son, expressed he was “gutted” by the news.
“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.”
The statement from Duvall’s wife continued: “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 Best Actor in 1983 for his portrayal of a faded country singer in “Tender Mercies.”
His extensive filmography also includes roles such as a ruthless corporate executive in 1976’s “Network,” a Marine officer in 1979’s “The Great Santini,” as well as appearances in 1990’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and 2014’s “The Judge” with Robert Downey Jr.
Duvall often cited his role as Augustus McCrae, the Texas Ranger-turned-cowboy, in the 1989 TV mini-series “Lonesome Dove,” based on Larry McMurtry’s novel, as his personal favorite.
He made his screen debut in the 1963 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” playing the reclusive Boo Radley.
“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,” US actor Alec Baldwin said in a short video tribute to Duvall.
The screenplay for “To Kill a Mockingbird” was written by Horton Foote, who also penned several other films starring Duvall, including “Tender Mercies,” “Tomorrow,” and “The Chase.”
In 1997’s “The Apostle,” which he both wrote and directed, Duvall portrayed an evangelical preacher who starts a new life in Louisiana after committing a crime.
British actress Jane Seymour, who collaborated with Duvall on the 1995 film “The Stars Fell on Henrietta,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“We were able to share in his love of barbecue and even a little tango,” Seymour wrote alongside a photo of herself with Duvall. “Those moments off camera were just as memorable as the work itself.”