The legendary actor Robert Duvall, known for iconic roles in films such as Apocalypse Now, Tender Mercies, and The Godfather, has died at the age of 95. He died “peacefully” in his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday. Now, his wife has released a heartbreaking statement.
Robert Duvall was one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors. Born in San Diego, California, on January 5, 1931, he was the son of a career naval officer. Robert would also move on to work in the military, both on film and in real life.
He attended Principia College in Illinois and later served in the Korean War. After, he moved to New York to pursue a career in acting, studying drama under the legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner.
At that time, Duvall and Dustin Hoffman shared an apartment and spent significant time with the late actor Gene Hackman, who died last year.
Robert Duvall began his acting career in theater before moving over to film. In 1962, he appeared in the filmversion of To Kill a Mockingbird, playing Arthur “Boo” Radley.
He went on to star in several major films, including a role opposite John Wayne in the Oscar-winning True Grit, a role as Major Frank Burns in Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H, and the lead in George Lucas’s 1971 directorial debut, THX 1138.
Robert Duvall dead at 95
However, it was the 1971 film The Godfather that put Robert Duvall up there with the greatest. Starring as the Corleone family attorney, Tom Hagen, he received recognition throughout Hollywood.
For his performance, Duvall earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola once said about Duvall, “He’s one of the four or five best actors in the world.”
Robert moved on to star in many more classic movies. In 1979, he starred as Lt. Col. Kilgore in the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now, delivering what is arguably one of the most legendary quotes in film: “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.”
The role earned him his second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. A year later, a third nomination in the same category was secured by Robert Duvall for his role in The Great Santini, and five years later, he would be the one lifting the Academy Award himself.
Robert Duvall won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Tender Mercies. Throughout his career, he earned three additional Oscar nominations.
Duvall continued to act up until his 90s. His last credit was the movie The Pale Blue Eye from 2022. He passed away on Sunday, February 15, in his home in Middleburg, Virginia.
Robert Duvall’s wife shares heartbreaking statement
After his passing, Robert Duvall’s wife, Luciana Pedraza, said, “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort,” she said.
“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.”
The statement 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.”
Rest in peace, Robert Duvall. Please share your best memories of him in the comment box.
