Oscar Winner Robert Duvall Dies at 95, Hollywood Legend Gone

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, known for his iconic roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and To Kill a Mockingbird, has passed away at the age of 95, his wife announced on Facebook. No cause of death was shared.

Duvall brought depth and authenticity to every role, from powerful leaders to broken characters. He played Tom Hagen, the Corleone family lawyer, in The Godfather and its sequel, and starred in the acclaimed TV miniseries Lonesome Dove. His wife Luciana Duvall said, “For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, to a Navy admiral and an actress, Duvall studied at Principia College and served in the US Army before moving to New York. There he lived with Dustin Hoffman and befriended Gene Hackman as they trained as actors. His first notable film role was the mysterious Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, recommended by screenwriter Horton Foote.

Duvall’s career included memorable performances such as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, where his line “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” became legendary. He earned seven Academy Award nominations and won Best Actor for Tender Mercies, portraying a washed-up country singer. Other nominations included The Godfather, The Great Santini, The Apostle, A Civil Action, and The Judge.

He was known for Western roles, appearing alongside John Wayne in True Grit, winning an Emmy for Broken Trail, and receiving acclaim for Lonesome Dove, which he called his favorite role. Duvall also wrote and directed films, including The Apostle and Assassination Tango, reflecting his love for tango and Argentina, where he met his fourth wife, Luciana Pedraza.

Duvall divided his time between Los Angeles, Argentina, and his 146-hectare Virginia farm, where he converted a barn into a tango dance hall. He leaves behind a legacy of nearly 100 films and unforgettable performances that shaped Hollywood.