Robert Duvall, one of Hollywood's finest actors of all time, has passed away. He was 95. His actor spouse Luciana Duvall announced the news through a social media statement. In the statement, Luciana Duvall wrote, "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. To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything."
The statement further 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. 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."
Robert Duvall is best known for his performances in The Godfather (1972) and its 1974 sequel, as well as Apocalypse Now (1979)—all three films directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He won Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations for his performances in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. Even in a role lasting about 10 minutes, Duvall left quite the impression as Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. His character's iconic line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," from Apocalypse Now captures the horrors of war like few other dialogues in cinema.
Duvall's other iconic role is as the Corleone family's consigliere, Tom Hagen, in The Godfather. The character stands out in a star-studded ensemble cast for the sense of sophistication and assuredness that Duvall brought to the role. Hagen is the level-headed family advisor among a group of hot-headed individuals who brings a sense of calmness amidst all the chaos.
The actor made his debut with an iconic performance in 1962's To Kill a Mockingbird, opposite Gregory Peck. His character only has a brief appearance and does not have any dialogue in the film, but the character has been mentioned throughout the film and Duvall made it memorable just with his subtle expressions. Despite the film's success and the critical appreciation for his performance in it, he remained a consistent presence in supporting roles in subsequent films. The 1979 film The Great Santini showcased his ability to headline a Hollywood film just like any of his contemporaries.
The actor's other iconic title is 1983's Tender Mercies. His restrained and elaborate performance in director Bruce Beresford's 1983 film earned the actor his first and only Oscar, in the Best Actor category. Duvall also starred in his own directorials 1997's The Apostle, 2002's Assassination Tango, and 2015's Wild Horses.
His other popular titles include The Natural (1984), Colors (1988), Days Of Thunder (1990), A Civil Action (1998), Gone In 60 Seconds (2000), and The Judge (2014). The Great Santini, The Judge, The Apostle and A Civil Action also earned him Oscar nominations.
