Hollywood has lost one of its finest. Legendary actor Robert Duvall passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 95 in his Middleburg, Virginia home, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of unforgettable performances. Known for iconic roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, Duvall’s career was a masterclass in dedication, depth, and authenticity.
Born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, Duvall was the son of a career naval officer. After a stint serving in the Korean War, he pursued his passion for acting, studying under the legendary Sanford Meisner in New York. During this time, he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and spent formative years alongside the late Gene Hackman, honing the craft that would soon captivate audiences worldwide.
Duvall’s early work included theater and small film roles, with his 1962 portrayal of Arthur “Boo” Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird marking his first major screen appearance. He soon moved to Hollywood, delivering memorable performances alongside John Wayne in True Grit and starring in Robert Altman’s MAS*H as the cunning Major Frank Burns.
Robert Duvall. Credit: Getty Images
It was The Godfather that cemented Duvall’s status as a screen legend. Playing the Corleone family’s trusted attorney, Tom Hagen, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Director Francis Ford Coppola famously called him “one of the four or five best actors in the world.” Duvall’s portrayal of Lt. Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now produced one of cinema’s most enduring lines: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” earning him another Oscar nod.
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