Robert Duvall, Oscar-Winning Actor and 'Godfather' Icon, Dies at Age 95
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor celebrated for his matchless versatility and dedication, has died at the age of 95. His classic roles included the intrepid consigliere in the first two "Godfather" films and the over-the-hill country music singer in "Tender Mercies."
Peaceful Passing at Home
Duvall passed away "peacefully" at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to an announcement from his publicist and a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall. "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything," Luciana wrote. "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."
A Legendary Career in Film
The bald, wiry Duvall lacked traditional leading man looks, but few character actors enjoyed such a long, rewarding, and unpredictable career. He excelled in both leading and supporting roles, from an itinerant preacher to Josef Stalin. Beginning with his 1962 film debut as Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird," Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. His work earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for "Tender Mercies" in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for his role in the 1989 miniseries "Lonesome Dove," which he often cited as his favorite. In 2005, Duvall was awarded a National Medal of Arts.
Breakthrough with 'The Godfather'
After acting for about 20 years, Duvall's role as Tom Hagen in 1972's "The Godfather" established him as one of Hollywood's most in-demand performers. Director Francis Coppola chose him for the part, and Duvall mastered the subtlety of an Irishman among Italians, often listening and advising in the background. Critic David Thomson praised his efficiency, noting, "Was there ever a role better designed for its actor than that of Tom Hagen in both parts of 'The Godfather?'"
Iconic Roles and Oscar Success
In another Coppola film, "Apocalypse Now," Duvall embodied deranged masculinity as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, delivering the famous line: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." Coppola once remarked that Duvall clicked into character quickly, often after just one or two takes. Despite Oscar nominations for "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," a dispute over money led him to turn down the third Godfather film, a loss felt by critics and fans alike.
Duvall won an Oscar in 1984 for his leading role in "Tender Mercies," accepting the award in a cowboy tuxedo. In 1998, he was nominated for best actor for "The Apostle," a drama he wrote, directed, starred in, produced, and largely financed, spending 12 years on the script. Other notable roles included:
- The outlaw gang leader in "True Grit"
- Jesse James in "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid"
- Frank Burns in "M-A-S-H"
- The TV hatchet man in "Network"
- Dr. Watson in "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution"
- The sadistic father in "The Great Santini"
Personal Life and Legacy
Robert Selden Duvall was born in 1931 and grew up in Navy towns, which influenced his portrayals of military men. He struggled in school but flourished in drama classes after his parents encouraged acting to keep him in college during the Korean War. After serving in the Army, he studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, alongside future stars like Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman.
Duvall was married four times, most recently to Luciana Pedraza in 2005, who was 42 years his junior. His previous marriages ended in divorce. He was also a passionate tango dancer, directing and starring in "Assassination Tango" in 2003. Fellow actors, such as Michael Caine, admired his studious research and coiled energy, though his temper was well-known on sets.
In his later years, Duvall received a supporting Oscar nomination for "The Judge" in 2014 and appeared in films like "Widows" and "12 Mighty Orphans." His legacy as a dedicated and versatile actor endures, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
