The Oscar-winning Hollywood star Robert Duvall, best known for his work in classic movies like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, died on Sunday. He was 95 years-old.
Duvall Passes Away
Duvall’s death was announced by his wife Luciana, who he’d been married to for 21 years.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” Luciana said in a statement posted to Facebook. “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,” she continued. “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. 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.”
Duvall’s History
Duvall was born in San Diego, California in 1931. His father was a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, and Duvall was raised near the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Duvall’s father had wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but he chose acting instead.
“I was terrible at everything but acting — I could barely get through school,” Duvall told People Magazine in 1977.
Even so, Duvall joined the Army after graduating high school and he briefly served in Korea. When he returned, Duvall studied acting at Principia College in Illinois. From there, he moved to New York City, where he studied under Sanford Meisner at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse.
Duvall made his big screen debut playing Boo Radley in 1962’s To Kill A Mockingbird. He quickly developed a reputation as a strong character actor.
In 1972, Duvall scored his first Oscar nomination for playing Tom Hagen, the pseudo-adopted son of the Corleone family who remains an outsider, in the iconic movie The Godfather. He reprised his role in the sequel two years later.
Duvall was nominated for seven Oscars throughout his career. He won the Best Actor Oscar for his work in the 1983 movie Tender Mercies.
“I guess the main reason I want the Academy Award is for the artistic power and freedom it gives you,” Duvall said weeks before his win. “The right to choose your own director, to have control over the project.”
Duvall’s most recent Oscar nomination came in the Best Supporting Actor category for the 2014 movie The Judge.
Despite living to the advanced age of 95, Duvall never retired from acting. Later roles of his included parts in 2018’s Widows, 2022’s The Pale Blue Eye and 2022’s Hustle.
Duvall’s Personal Life
Duvall was married four times, and he never had children. He married Luciana Pedraza in 2005, and they had been dating since 1996.
When asked what he loved the most about being 90 after celebrating that birthday, Duvall replied, “Love the most? I don’t know if I love any of it, but day to day with my wonderful wife.”
“She takes care of me, and I have good friends and try to work out and keep in some kind of shape,” he continued. “I’m always living well.”
Duvall is survived by his beloved wife.
Rest in peace, Robert Duvall.