🎬 Actor Robert Duvall, the prolific American performer known for roles in films including "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95. His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed his death 2.
In appreciations and obituaries, writers highlighted Duvall’s unusual range, noting that he could drive a film with sheer force and still stand out in the most understated parts 1. Coverage also notes that he won an Academy Award for best actor and received multiple Oscar nominations over his career 2.
Sources
- A Different Kind of Leading Man [theatlantic.com] (2026-02-16)
- Actor Robert Duvall, star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, dead at 95 [scmp.com] (2026-02-16)
- Robert Duvall Left No Seams [nationalreview.com] (2026-02-16)
- Acting legend Robert Duvall, of “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, dead at 95 [salon.com] (2026-02-16)
Highlights
- Signature roles: Duvall played a mafia lawyer in "The Godfather" and stole the show as a surfing-obsessed colonel in "Apocalypse Now" 2.
- Awards milestone: He won an Academy Award for best actor and earned six Oscar nominations 2.
- Public persona: SCMP described Duvall as “blunt-talking,” “prolific,” and “glitz-averse” 2.
- Timing detail: SCMP said he died on Sunday, and his wife confirmed the news 2.
- Career span: Salon described his work as a seven-decade run of iconic, wide-ranging performances 4.
Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home.
— Luciana Duvall — SCMP
Perspectives
Luciana Duvall (wife): She confirmed his death in a statement, calling him her “beloved husband,” a “cherished friend,” and “one of the greatest actors of our time.”
The Atlantic: The Atlantic framed Duvall as a “different kind of leading man,” arguing he could carry a film “thunderously” while also standing out in the subtlest parts.
National Review: National Review emphasized his “seamless” style, writing that he never gave viewers a repeatable “Duvall performance,” but instead delivered a character and then “disappeared.”
Salon: Salon highlighted his seven-decade career and called him one of America’s most respected actors, pointing to the breadth of his iconic roles.