Hollywood mourns the loss of legendary actor Robert Duvall, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at his home, surrounded by family, his wife Luciana Duvall confirmed on Sunday.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Luciana wrote: “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time.” She added that Duvall’s passion for acting was matched by his love of storytelling, food, and the people around him, asking for privacy as the family grieves.
Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Duvall became renowned for his ability to disappear into roles. He delivered unforgettable performances as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, and the tender country singer Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies, a role that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1984.
His iconic line from Apocalypse Now, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like victory,” remains one of cinema’s most quoted moments, showcasing his signature mix of intensity, menace, and dark humor.
Born on 5 January 1931 in San Diego, Duvall grew up moving between military bases, as his father served as a US Navy rear admiral. After studying drama at Principia College in Illinois and serving in the US Army, he honed his craft under acting legend Sanford Meisner at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse.
Duvall’s film debut came at 31 with the haunting silent role of Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, a performance that immediately announced his extraordinary talent. He built his reputation throughout the 1960s and 1970s as a reliable scene-stealer and became a defining figure of the New Hollywood era, effortlessly moving between leading and supporting roles.
Over his illustrious career, Duvall earned seven Academy Award nominations and portrayed a wide range of characters, from the strict military father in The Great Santini to the beloved Texas Ranger Augustus “Gus” McCrae in Lonesome Dove, a personal favorite of the actor.
Away from Hollywood, Duvall led a quiet life in Virginia, shunning the spotlight while continuing to take on memorable character roles as mentors, patriarchs, and authority figures. He also directed four feature films during his lifetime.
Duvall is survived by his wife Luciana, whom he married in 2005. The couple had no children. The family has requested fans honor his memory by enjoying simple pleasures he loved: watching a great film, sharing a story, or taking a peaceful drive through the countryside.
For generations, Robert Duvall leaves a rare legacy: performances that feel authentic, lived-in, and timeless. His work will continue to inspire, be quoted, and admired by audiences for years to come.