Hollywood is mourning the death of legendary actor Robert Duvall, who died peacefully at his home on Monday at the age of 95. The Oscar-winning star was known for his powerful performances in iconic films like The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Tender Mercies. Fellow actors and friends have remembered him as a remarkable talent and a strong, inspiring presence both on screen and in real life.
Duvall’s death was announced on Facebook by his wife, Luciana Duvall, who shared an emotional statement confirming that he died surrounded by love and comfort.
“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,” she added.
“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. 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.”
Soon after the news broke, several Hollywood stars took to social media to honour the veteran actor.
Adam Sandler, who worked with Duvall in the 2022 film Hustle, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did. So many movies to choose from that were legendary. Watch them when you can. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences,” he wrote on Instagram.
Viola Davis, who appeared alongside Duvall in the 2018 thriller Widows, described it as an honour to share screen space with him.
“I had the honor of working alongside you in Widows. I was in awe. I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness. You were a giant an icon Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tender Mercies, The Apostle, Lonesome Dove etc Greatness never dies. It stays as a gift. Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” she wrote.
Michael Keaton, who starred with Duvall in Ron Howard’s 1994 film The Paper, remembered him as a friend.
Sharing a portrait of the actor, Keaton captioned it, “Another friend goes down. Acted with and became friends. shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. He was greatness personified as an actor. RIP RD.”
Walton Goggins, who had a small role in 1997’s The Apostle – a film Duvall wrote, directed and starred in – posted a lengthy tribute recalling their decades-long bond.
“The celestial light just lost its glow..It certainly did for me. Bobby Duvall, the greatest storyteller of all time just left us. He was my friend. My mentor. I’ve had these photos with me for 30 years. They were taken by the still photographer on the set of THE APOSTLE, the movie he wrote and directed. I was 24. The privilege of getting to work with this man, to know this man is still the most important experience of my life. He was my North Star, my hero. He knew it. He gave me permission, afforded me the privilege of never having to leave his side while we were working we maintained a deep friendship for years after. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. He had that effect on a lot of people but this was my story. I love you Bobby. Thank you for changing my life. Sammy.”
Over a career spanning decades, Duvall became one of American cinema’s most respected actors. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1983 for his portrayal of a washed-up country singer in Tender Mercies, a performance widely regarded as a masterclass in subtlety and restraint.
He also received Oscar nominations for his roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini and The Apostle. His portrayal of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) and its sequel cemented his place in film history, while his performance as Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979) delivered one of cinema’s most quoted characters.
With a body of work that includes classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and the television epic Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations of actors and storytellers. As tributes continue to pour in, Hollywood bids farewell to a legend whose performances will endure for years to come.
