Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning 'Godfather' star, dies at 95

2026-02-17 - 10:05

Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor whose understated intensity defined iconic roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and "Tender Mercies," has died at the age of 95. His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed Monday that he passed away peacefully at home, "surrounded by love and comfort." In a statement, she said, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything." A Career Forged in the Golden Era of American Cinema Born in San Diego on January 5, 1931, Duvall studied acting in New York alongside a generation of future legends including Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, and Gene Hackman. His breakthrough arrived in 1972 with his portrayal of Tom Hagen, the Corleone family's adopted son and consigliere, in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather"—a role that earned him an Oscar nomination and cemented his place in cinematic history. Six Decades of Unforgettable Performances Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Duvall became renowned for his ability to convey profound emotion with remarkable economy. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his moving performance in 1983's "Tender Mercies" and received additional nominations for his work in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," where his portrayal of Colonel Kilgore delivered the unforgettable line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." A Legacy of Truth in Storytelling Luciana Duvall reflected on her husband's artistic philosophy, stating, "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." Funeral arrangements have not been announced, and the family has requested privacy as they celebrate his life and legacy. Duvall's passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers.