Hollywood has lost one of its greatest.
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor known for iconic roles in ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now,’ died peacefully Sunday at his home in Middleburg, Virginia.
He was 95.
His wife Luciana confirmed the news, saying:
“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.”
Al Pacino paid tribute to his ‘Godfather’ costar, calling it an “honour” to work with him. “He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
Director Francis Ford Coppola called his loss “a blow,” praising him as “such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning.”
Over six decades, Duvall delivered unforgettable performances, from mafia consigliere Tom Hagen to Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore, whose line “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” became legendary. He won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1983 for ‘Tender Mercies’ and was nominated seven times total. His other notable roles included parts in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘The Great Santini,’ ‘Network,’ and ‘The Judge.’
He is survived by his wife Luciana.