The film world bids farewell to Robert Duvall, one of the most outstanding actors in the history of American cinema. The Oscar winner and four-time Golden Globe recipient died on Sunday at his estate in Virginia. The news of the artist's passing was conveyed by his wife, Luciana Pedraza. Duvall, known for roles in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," leaves behind a legacy encompassing over 130 film and television roles, shaping the face of modern Hollywood.

Death at the family home

Robert Duvall died on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his estate in Virginia at the age of 95.

The artist's Oscar-winning legacy

The actor won an Oscar in 1984 and received a total of seven nominations for this award for his outstanding performances.

Tributes from Hollywood stars

Memories of the actor were published by, among others, Adam Sandler, Viola Davis, and Michael Keaton, highlighting his craft.

The world bows before the legacy of Robert Duvall, who passed away at the age of 95. As reported by his wife, Luciana Pedraza, the actor died peacefully at his home in Virginia, surrounded by his closest family. Duvall was considered one of the most versatile artists of his generation, capable of embodying characters of tough military men, measured lawyers, and charismatic preachers with equal ease. His career gained momentum thanks to the role of Tom Hagen in the cult saga "The Godfather", where he starred alongside Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Another milestone in his biography was his portrayal of Colonel Bill Kilgore in Francis Ford Coppola's film "Apocalypse Now". It was there that the legendary line about the smell of napalm in the morning was uttered, which became permanently etched into the canon of cinematography. Despite seven nominations for the Oscar, he won the statuette in 1984 for his role as a fallen country singer in the drama "Tender Mercies". Duvall was also a respected director, as evidenced by the enthusiastically received film "The Apostle" from 1997. Robert Duvall belonged to the "New Hollywood" generation, which revolutionized American cinema in the 1970s by focusing on realism, psychological depth of characters, and moving away from the established formulas of major studios.Following the announcement of the tragic news, numerous tributes from industry colleagues appeared on social media. Adam Sandler emphasized that Duvall was the embodiment of acting greatness, while Viola Davis and Michael Keaton remembered him as an unattainable model of craft. The artist, despite his advanced age, remained professionally active until the end and maintained his physical fitness, as confirmed by the training videos he published. His passing marks the definitive end of an era in film history, where acting was based on raw truth and deep respect for the character portrayed. „To the world, he was an Oscar winner, a director, and a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.” — Luciana Pedraza

Mentioned People

  • Robert Duvall — American actor and director, Oscar winner, known for roles in the most important works of world cinema.
  • Luciana Pedraza — Argentine actress and wife of Robert Duvall, who conveyed the news of his death.
  • Adam Sandler — American comedic actor who starred with Duvall in the film The Life Aquatic and paid tribute to him.