Los Angeles: Hollywood is mourning the death of iconic actor Robert Duvall, a seven-time Academy Award nominee best known for his memorable performances in films like The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, Lonesome Dove and The Apostle.
Duvall died on Sunday at his Virginia farm at the age of 95, as announced by his wife, Luciana.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” he said in a statement. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for the characters, hosting a sumptuous meal and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to the truth of his characters and the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he left something lasting and unforgettable for us all. Thank you for the support you have shown Bob over the years and for giving us the time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”
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After the news of his demise, many Hollywood stalwarts paid emotional tributes.
Duvall’s ‘Godfather’ co-stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino shared statements with The Hollywood Reporter.
De Niro said, “God bless Bobby. I hope I live to be 95. May his soul rest in peace.”
Pacino said, “It was an honor to work with Robert Duvall. As the saying goes, he was a born actor, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
Director Scott Cooper, who worked with Duvall on ‘The Pale Blue Eye’, remembered him as a mentor.
“Robert Duvall was my most important artistic mentor. He produced and starred in my first film, Crazy Heart, and from that moment on, read almost every script I wrote, showing his cool intelligence and unwavering faith in me. He was my staunch supporter – not with grand gestures, but with honesty, rigor and love of the work. His legacy as one of the true giants of acting is secure, but what I will keep with me is his generosity, his Humility, and Cooper said, “I would not have been the filmmaker or man I became without the example he set of a life completely devoted to the truth.”
Actress Mary Badham, who starred with Duvall in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, said, “He was a very good actor and I admired his work.”
Viola Davis, who worked with Duvall on ‘Widows’, wrote on Instagram threads, “I had the honor of working with you on Widows. I was in awe. I’ve always been in awe of your great portrayals of men who were both cool and dominant in their humanity. You were a giant… an icon… Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tender Mercies, The Apostle, Lonesome Dove… Greatness never dies. It lives on… as a gift. Rest well, sir… the angels will sing for you.”
Actor Walton Goggins recalls working with Duvall on ‘The Apostle’. “The privilege of working with this man, knowing this man is still the most important experience of my life. He was my North Star, my hero. He knew it. He allowed me, gave me the privilege of never leaving his side while I worked… We maintained a deep friendship over the years. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. He had an impact on so many people… But this was my story. I love you Bobby. Thank you for changing my life,” Goggins wrote.
Meanwhile, Adam Sandler, who appeared with Duvall in ‘Hustle’, described him as “one of the greatest actors we ever had” in an Instagram tribute.
Michael Keaton, who starred with Duvall in ‘The Paper’ directed by Ron Howard, remembered him as his “friend” and “the greatness he expressed as an actor”.
Meanwhile, Josh Gad wrote on Instagram threads, “Another day. Another iconic and irreparable loss. Duvall was one of the greatest to ever do this. From the ‘Godfather’ movies to ‘Apocalypse Now’ to ‘The Apostle’ to ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, he wasn’t just in film, he defined it for the ages. RIP.”
Duvall leaves behind a vast legacy that has shaped generations of actors and filmmakers, with performances that will continue to define cinema for years to come.