Legendary actor and director Robert Duvall has passed away at the age of 95.
According to TMZ, Duvall’s wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday (Feb. 16), a day after he died at his Virginia home.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” Pedraza wrote on Facebook. “Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.”
Duvall earned lasting acclaim for his performances in Tender Mercies and The Godfather, roles that helped cement his legacy in Hollywood history.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Pedraza continued. “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.”
Born on Jan. 5, 1931, in San Diego, Robert Duvall first honed his skills on stage after studying at New York City’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. Raised in a Navy family, he also spent time serving in the U.S. Army during the 1950s.
In 1962, Duvall earned his breakout role as Boo Radley in the film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. He went on to appear in standout films like MAS*H, The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
Duvall took home the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1984 for his performance as Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies. Beyond acting, he also stepped behind the camera, directing projects such as the 2015 Western Wild Horses and the 2002 crime drama Assassination Tango.
Even into his 90s, Duvall remained active in Hollywood, most recently appearing in Hustle and The Pale Blue Eye in 2022.
