Hollywood is remembering icon Robert Duvall.
The seven-time Oscar nominee, known for his performances in two Godfather films, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, Lonesome Dove and The Apostle, died Sunday at home on his Virginia ranch, his wife, Luciana, announced. He was 95.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Following news of his death, Hollywood stars paid tribute to the legendary actor.
Director Scott Cooper, who worked with Duvall on his last film The Pale Blue Eye, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “Robert Duvall was the most important artistic mentor I had. He produced and acted in my first film, Crazy Heart, and from that moment forward, read nearly every screenplay I wrote, offering his quiet wisdom and unwavering belief in me. He was my fiercest supporter—not with grand gestures, but with honesty, rigor, and love for the work itself. His legacy as one of the true giants of acting is secure, but what I will carry with me most is his generosity, his humility, and the example he set of a life devoted entirely to truth. I would not be the filmmaker—or the man—I am without him.”
Mary Badham, who was 10 when she starred in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird alongside Duvall as Scout, in an interview with THR: “He was a very good actor, and I admired his work.”
Viola Davis, who worked with Duvall on the 2018 film Widows, wrote on Instagram Threads, “I had the honor of working alongside you in Widows. I was in awe. I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness. You were a giant… an icon… Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tender Mercies, The Apostle, Lonesome Dove… etc… Greatness never dies. It stays… as a gift. Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Walton Googins described Duvall as his “mentor” and recalled working with the actor who directed him in 1997’s The Apostle when he was 24. “The privilege of getting to work with this man, to know this man is still the most important experience of my life. He was my North Star, my hero. He knew it. He gave me permission, afforded me the privilege of never having to leave his side while we were working… we maintained a deep friendship for years after. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. He had that effect on a lot of people… but this was my story. I love you Bobby. Thank you for changing my life,” Goggins wrote in an Instagram post.
Adam Sandler, who appeared alongside Duvall in the 2022 film Hustle, celebrated Duvall as “one of the greatest actors we ever had” in an Instagram tribute.
Michael Keaton, who starred with Duvall in Ron Howard’s The Paper (1994), also paid tribute to Duvall on Instagram, describing him as his “friend” and “greatness personified as an actor.”
Below are more tributes. This post will be updated as more are shared.
