Washington, Feb 17 (.) The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has paid tribute to Hollywood icon Robert Duvall, who passed away peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on February 15, 2026, at the age of 95.
The Academy celebrated Duvall’s unparalleled career, describing his work as a “masterclass in restraint” and authenticity that will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
“Robert Duvall brought a rare kind of gravity to the screen, the kind that never demanded attention yet held it completely,” the Academy wrote.
“Across a career that spanned generations, he inhabited his roles with precision and quiet power, whether commanding the room in The Godfather (1972), delivering aching honesty in Tender Mercies (1983), or leaving an indelible mark in Apocalypse Now (1979) and Lonesome Dove (1985). His work remains a masterclass in restraint, and his presence will be deeply missed.”
Born in 1931, Duvall’s career spanned more than seven decades, earning him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile performers. He first gained attention with his unforgettable portrayal of the reclusive Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, signaling the arrival of a talent defined by naturalistic style and quiet intensity.
Duvall’s global fame soared as Tom Hagen, the Corleone family’s trusted consigliere, in The Godfather and its sequel. He was equally memorable as Lt. Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, delivering one of cinema’s most iconic lines, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
In the same year, he portrayed a domineering Marine father in The Great Santini, further cementing his stature as a commanding presence on screen.
His performance as a washed-up country singer seeking redemption in Tender Mercies (1983) earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, a crowning achievement in a career that also included seven Oscar nominations, four Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. On television, he won hearts as Texas Ranger Gus McCrae in Lonesome Dove, a role he once called his personal favorite.
Beyond acting, Duvall was an accomplished filmmaker. He wrote, directed, and self-financed The Apostle, a passion project that earned him another Oscar nomination and demonstrated his dedication to telling deeply personal stories.
Robert Duvall leaves behind a legacy of performances that continue to define cinematic excellence, inspiring actors and audiences around the world.
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