Actor Robert Duvall Dies At 95

Robert Duvall, the actor most well-known for his roles in classics such as the The Godfather and Tender Mercies, died Sunday (February 15). He was 95.

“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” his wife, Luciana, shared on social media. “Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.”

She reflected on the many roles her beloved husband filled in her life, far beyond the accomplishments and recognition the world associated with his name.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. 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,” Luciana continued.

Robert Duvall’s Incredible Acting Career

Duvall’s career as an actor and filmmaker spanned more than six decades. He was widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.

He first rose to prominence portraying Tom Hagen in The Godfather. The actor later delivered one of his most memorable performances as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. In 1983, Duvall earned the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a troubled country singer in Tender Mercies.

He also wrote and directed The Apostle and the acclaimed television miniseries Lonesome Dove. Duvall has earned multiple Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA honors, and Emmy Awards.

Actor Rex Linn Honors Robert Duvall

Reba McEntire’s fiancé and actor, Rex Linn, took to social media to honor his dear friend and mentor following his death.

In the late 1980s, Linn landed a small role in Lonesome Dove, which starred Duvall in one of his most iconic roles as Augustus “Gus” McCrae. Linn recalled the time he was asked to do a Q & A with Duvall, whom he referred to as one of his “heroes.”

“I was fortunate enough to have 30 minutes with him privately before getting on the stage. Then I buckled up and escorted him to the stage to begin the Q&A. It turned out to be one of the highlights in my career,” Linn shared.

The actor said the two exchanged a few jokes, including Linn quoting one of Duvall’s lines from the film  True Grit. At the time they first met, Duvall was already an established, seasoned actor, while Linn was just getting started in Hollywood.

“Thank you for it all, Mr. Duvall. No one will ever forget you.”