Godfather Legend Robert Duvall Dies at 95
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, dies peacefully at 95, leaving behind a six-decade Hollywood legacy.
Actor Robert Duvall, who appeared in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.
Duvall, who won an Oscar for "Tender Mercies," died "peacefully" at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday. This was confirmed by his wife, Luciana, in a statement sent through his PR agency.
"To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, and a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything," she said. "His passion for his work was matched only by his deep love for characters, great food, and holding court."
Godfather star Al Pacino paid tribute, saying it was an "honor" to work with Duvall.
He added: "As they say, he was a born actor. His connection, his understanding, and his incredible talent will always be remembered.
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Duvall was known for many tough roles in his illustrious six-decade career, such as the Mafia consigliere in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.
He also played a tough Army officer in Coppola's Vietnam epic, Apocalypse Now.
He only had a few minutes on screen, but his famous line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," in the 1979 classic became legendary.
Coppola called his loss "a blow."
Coppola, in a statement on Instagram, referred to his production company, as "a very fine actor and an essential part of American Zoetrope from the beginning."
His Apocalypse Now character was originally intended to be even more over-the-top, but Duvall toned it down and changed his name from Captain to Captain. The murder of Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore.
"I did my homework," Duvall told former talk show host Larry King in 2015. "I did my research."
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Tributes poured in after news of Duvall's death.
American comedian and actor Adam Sandler posted photos of the two of them filming the 2022 film Hustle.
"So funny. So strong. One of the greatest actors we've ever had. Such a great person to talk to and laugh with... Our condolences to his wife, Luciana, and all his family and friends."
Oscar winner Jamie Lee-Curtis also posted a tribute on Instagram, with a photo of Duvall as Tom Hagen in The Godfather.
"The greatest mentor I've ever seen on screen. Well done, Robert Duvall."
Co-star Robert Patrick, who played Duvall's son in the 2013 film Jayne Mansfield's Car, said he was "deeply saddened."
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"For years, I would call Bobby and we would talk about movies and barbecue. He loved barbecue, and whenever I was having barbecue in Lockhart, Texas, I would always tell him."
"I will miss Bobby. I will always be proud to have had the opportunity to play his son. May your soul rest in peace, my friend."
Duvall's wife's statement continued: "In every role, Bob gave everything to his characters and the truth of the human spirit they portrayed. In doing so, he left us all something that will be cherished and unforgettable.
"Bob, thank you for the support you showed us over the years and for the memories he left behind."
Nominated for seven Oscars, Duvall won Best Actor in 1983 for his portrayal of an aging country singer in Tender Mercies.
His other roles included a crooked corporate executive in 1976's "Network," a Marine officer in 1979's "The Great Santini," as well as roles opposite Robert Downey Jr. in 1990's "The Handmaid's Tale" and 2014's "The Judge."
Duvall often said his favorite role was that of Texas Ranger-turned-cowboy Augustus McCrae in the 1989 TV miniseries "Lonesome Dove," based on the novel by Larry McMurtry.
He made his screen debut in the 1963 film adaptation of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," playing the reclusive Boo Radley.
US actor Alec Baldwin said in a short video tribute to Duvall, "When he did 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' he just broke you with his performance of Boo Radley. He didn't use a single line of dialogue, not a single word, and he just broke you." The screenplay was written by Horton Foote, who also wrote several of Duvall's other films, including Tender Mercies, Yesterday, and The Chase.
In the 1997 film The Apostle, which he wrote and directed, Duvall played an evangelical preacher who starts a new life in Louisiana after committing a crime.
British actress Jane Seymour, who worked with Duvall in the 1995 film The Stars Fell on Henrietta, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
Seymour wrote, alongside a photo of herself with Duvall, "We were able to share in his love of barbecue and a little tango." “Those moments off camera were as memorable as the work itself.”
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