Robert Duvall, the gravel-voiced powerhouse whose commanding presence defined generations of American cinema, died Sunday, his wife Luciana confirmed. He was 95.
Circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately made available.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” his wife shared online. “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. 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. ”
She continued, “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.”
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Duvall built a career on intensity and authenticity, becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected leading men and character actors. Across more than six decades, he earned acclaim for performances that blended restraint with raw emotional force.
He won the Academy Award for best actor for his role as a washed-up country singer in Tender Mercies, a performance widely praised for its depth and humanity. He also received multiple Oscar nominations, cementing his status as a fixture of serious American filmmaking.
Among his most iconic roles was Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, where his chilling calm and unforgettable bravado helped create one of the most quoted performances in movie history. He reached another generation of fans as the ruggedly charming Gus McCrae in the television epic Lonesome Dove, a portrayal that showcased his range and enduring screen magnetism.
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Earlier in his career, Duvall left a lasting mark as Tom Hagen, the cool-headed consigliere in The Godfather, delivering a performance that stood out even amid one of cinema’s most celebrated ensembles.
Colleagues and critics long hailed Duvall as an actor’s actor, known for meticulous preparation and an unwavering commitment to realism. Whether playing soldiers, lawmen, preachers or outlaws, he brought a lived-in credibility that elevated every project he touched.
Duvall’s death closes the chapter on a towering era of Hollywood craftsmanship. His body of work, spanning film and television, remains a benchmark for performers who followed.
He is survived by his wife, Luciana.
