Legendary ‘Godfather’ Star & Movie Great Passed Away At 95

Academy Award–winning actor Robert Duvall, whose distinguished career stretched across more than seventy years, has died at the age of 95. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Luciana Pedraza, who said he died peacefully at home surrounded by love.

Born on January 5, 1931, Duvall became known for his restrained intensity and powerful screen presence, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected performers over several decades.

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Tender Mercies and received additional nominations for performances in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, The Apostle, and A Civil Action. His portrayals of Tom Hagen and Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore became especially iconic.

After studying at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse alongside Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, Duvall expanded into directing and producing, most notably with The Apostle.

His breakthrough film role came as Boo Radley in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird, leading to his first Oscar nomination a decade later for The Godfather, a role he reprised in its sequel but not in the third installment due to salary disputes.

Duvall remained creatively active later in life, collaborating with Pedraza on Assassination Tango and earning a seventh Oscar nomination for The Judge, once making him the oldest Best Supporting Actor nominee.

He continued appearing on screen into his 80s and 90s, with roles in Widows, 12 Mighty Orphans, and Hustle, demonstrating a lasting dedication to his craft across generations.