Hollywood legend Robert Duvall is dead at 95 with one of the most respected and enduring Hollywood careers. He died peacefully Sunday at his home where he was surrounded by family, according to his wife, Luciana Duvall.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote that he was “my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” and requested privacy as the family mourns.
A Career that Spanned Seven Decades
Over seven decades, Duvall earned a reputation of completely disappearing into his roles. He was widely admired for his versatility, intensity and quiet authority on screen.
He was Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, and country singer Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies. It is for Tender Mercies that he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1984.
His unforgettable line in Apocalypse Now on “the smell of napalm in the morning” became one of the most quoted lines in film history.
Early Life and Breakthrough
Duvall was born in San Diego on Jan 5 1931, and grew up in a military family. After studying drama and serving in the US Army, he trained under the renowned acting teacher, Sanford Meisner in New York.
His film debut arrived at the age of 31, when he came in as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. Though mute, the performance heralded the appearance of great talent.
A Lasting Legacy
Duvall received seven Academy Award nominations and played both leading and supporting roles. From The Great Santini to Lonesome Dove, he gave performances ranging from depth and authenticity.
Away from Hollywood he preferred a quiet life in Virginia. Survived by Luciana whom he married in 2005, Duvall leaves behind a body of work that will be timeless for generations.
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