Hollywood is paying tribute to legendary actor Robert Duvall after his death at 95.
Duvall’s wife, Luciana, announced the Apocalypse Now and The Godfather star died at his Virginia ranch Sunday in a statement on Facebook, which remembered him as “simply everything.”
“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, surrounded by love and comfort,” Luciana wrote Monday. “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.”
The loss prompted an outpouring of messages from fans and colleagues alike as they remembered the actor, who was also known for his role as the Air Cavalry Commander Kilgore in 1979 movie Apocalypse Now.
Actor Walton Goggins, who worked on Duvall’s 1997 movie The Apostle, remembered the actor and director as his “mentor” in an Instagram post, writing in part: “The privilege of getting to work with this man, to know this man is still the most important experience of my life.”
Adam Sandler, who co-starred with Duvall in the 2022 Netflix sports movie Hustle, wrote on X about Duvall: “One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did. So many movies to choose from that were legendary. Watch them when you can. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences.”
Follow along for tributes from across the film industry...
KEY POINTS
- Robert Duvall dead at 95
- Robert Duvall: The Hollywood great whose machismo held hidden depths
- Adam Sandler pays tribute
- Robert Duvall's Oscar and Emmy wins
Edgar Wright pays tribute to Duvall's 'run of magnificent performances of true gravitas'
00:28 , Kevin Perry
The Running Man director Edgar Wright posted a heartfelt tribute to Duvall on Instagram, writing: “A fond farewell to one of the greats, Robert Duvall.
“He had an incredible seven decade career in stage and screen, beginning his feature film career as none other than Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird.
“His run of magnificent performances of true gravitas is extraordinary, both as lead and supporting actor. He also happened to hit his stride with the explosion that was New Hollywood, starring in films by Robert Altman, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and more.
You will all have your favourites, but here are some of mine; To Kill a Mockingbird, The Rain People, Bullitt, M*A*S*H, THX 1138, The Godfather, The Outfit, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, The Killer Elite, Network, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (just one scene, but still!), Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, True Confessions,Tender Mercies, The Natural, Colors, Days of Thunder, Falling Down, Geronimo: An American Legend, The Paper, Sling Blade, The Apostle, Open Range, Get Low and Jack Reacher, among many others which I’d love you to list below.
“Not many can claim a filmography as storied as that, but then no-one was quite like Robert Duvall. RIP to a superlative actor.”
Francis Ford Coppola says Duvall was an 'essential part' of his studio
00:17 , Kevin Perry.jpg)
In a statement posted to Instagram, Francis Ford Coppola wrote of his longtime collaborator: “What a blow to learn of the loss of Robert Duvall. Such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning: The Rain People, The Conversation, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, THX 1138, Assassination Tango.”
Robert De Niro says he hopes he makes it to 95
Monday 16 February 2026 23:14 , Kevin Perry
In a brief tribute to Duvall, reported by Variety, his The Godfather Part 2 co-star Robert De Niro wrote: “God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I’m 95. May he rest in peace.”
Al Pacino calls Duvall a 'born actor'
Monday 16 February 2026 22:55 , Kevin Perry
Al Pacino, who starred with Duvall in The Godfather and The Godfather Part 2, said in a statement to Associated Press:
“It was an honor to have worked with Robert Duvall. He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
Lynda Carter remembers Robert Duvall
Monday 16 February 2026 21:58 , Carsen HoladayActor and singer Lynda Carter wrote about Robert Duvall on X, “Robert Duvall was a kind and gentle man.”
She added: “He had that crinkle in his smile that made you think he had some precious secret, all his own. Rest well, Robert.”
Mario Lopez pays tribute
Monday 16 February 2026 21:45 , Carsen HoladayActor and radio host Mario Lopez paid tribute to Robert Duvall by remembering their work together on the 1988 film Colors.
RIP to the great Robert Duvall. Had the honor of working with him back in the day on the movie Colors… pic.twitter.com/rO7pkVtwRv
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) February 16, 2026
Robert Duvall won the Oscar for 'Tender Mercies'
Monday 16 February 2026 21:40 , Carsen HoladayOver his seven decades in Hollywood, Robert Duvall collected several major awards across his work in film and television.
In 1983, the performer won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as an alcoholic country singer in Tender Mercies.
He also earned Oscar nominations for his work in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, The Apostle, A Civil Action, and The Judge.
Duvall won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his acting and his work as an executive producer on 2006 AMC western Broken Trail.
His five total Emmy nominations throughout his career also recognized his work as an actor on 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove, 1993 series Stalin, and 1997 show The Man Who Captured Eichmann.
Michael Keaton: 'another friend goes down'
Monday 16 February 2026 21:31 , Carsen HoladayOscar winner Michael Keaton, who appeared alongside Robert Duvall in Ron Howard’s 1994 movie The Paper, wrote on Instagram: “another friend goes down.
“acted with and became friends. shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. he was greatness personified as an actor. RIP RD.”
Robert Duvall's machismo held hidden depths
Monday 16 February 2026 21:26 , Carsen HoladayRobert Duvall was a master at portraying men whose stern authority masked layers of doubt and vulnerability, wrote The Independent’s Kevin E G Perry.
Read more of Duvall’s obituary here:
Robert Duvall: The Hollywood great whose machismo held hidden depths
Walton Goggins remembers 'greatest storyteller of all time'
Monday 16 February 2026 20:56 , Carsen HoladayThe White Lotus actor Walton Goggins has shared a long tribute to Robert Duvall on Instagram. The pair worked together on 1997 film The Apostle.
“The celestial light just lost its glow..It certainly did for me,” Goggins wrote. “Bobby Duvall, the greatest storyteller of all time just left us. He was my friend. My mentor. I’ve had these photos with me for 30 years. They were taken by the still photographer on the set of THE APOSTLE, the movie he wrote and directed.”
Goggins continued: “I was 24. The privilege of getting to work with this man, to know this man is still the most important experience of my life. He was my North Star, my hero. He knew it. He gave me permission, afforded me the privilege of never having to leave his side while we were working… we maintained a deep friendship for years after. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. He had that effect on a lot of people… but this was my story. I love you Bobby. Thank you for changing my life. Sammy.”
Viola Davis says she was 'in awe' of Robert Duvall
Monday 16 February 2026 20:52 , Carsen HoladayActor Viola Davis wrote on Instagram: “I had the honor of working alongside you in Widows. I was in awe.
“I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness,” she wrote, adding that he was a “giant” and “an icon.”
“Greatness never dies. It stays… as a gift. Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” Davis wrote.
Cary Elwes mourns former co-star
Monday 16 February 2026 20:41 , Carsen HoladayActor Cary Elwes, who played Robert Duvall’s rival in 1990 Nascar movie Days of Thunder, shared a tribute to him on Instagram, writing: “The magnificent Robert Duvall has left us. But he has left us a monumental body of work that is incomparable.”
He wrote, “I grew up idolizing him and all the characters he created, which were classes in authenticity. When I got to work with him on Days of Thunder in 1990 he turned out to be as fabulous a human being as I could have hoped.
“I have wonderful memories of numerous barbecues he threw for the cast & crew at the ranch he was staying at. And the wonderful, touching moment when he asked me to film him and his wife Luciana dancing the tango.”
He concluded, “My heart goes out to Luciana and his extended family, friends and fans of which I will always be one. Farewell, Bob. Rest in absolute power…”
Michael Imperioli mourns 'actor's actor'
Monday 16 February 2026 20:37 , Carsen HoladayThe Sopranos actor Michael Imperioli remembered Robert Duvall as an “actor’s actor.”
“One of the best ever. Period. An actor’s actor. Brilliant. Genius. Mesmerized in every role,” Imperioli said. “One of the greatest bodies of work in cinema history.”
Nancy Sinatra: 'So long, Boo'
Monday 16 February 2026 20:30 , Carsen HoladayNancy Sinatra shared a message remembering Robert Duvall for his role as Boo Radley in 1962 movie To Kill a Mockingbird.
“Oh, I'm sorry to lose this wonderful man,” she wrote on X.
“Soar with the angels. So long, Boo.”
Lou Diamond Phillips pays tribute
Monday 16 February 2026 20:25 , Carsen HoladayActor Lou Diamond Phillips wrote about Robert Duvall on X, “What an epic, iconic run. I hope he knew what an impact he had on generations of actors.”
Phillips continued: “I was shooting the Holly tune in La Bamba when Taylor Hackford walked in with him & I realized I’d be acting in front of him.
“He was incredibly kind to me, as he was a few times after that,” he said.
Katie Couric remembers Robert Duvall as a 'fine actor'
Monday 16 February 2026 20:21 , Carsen HoladayJournalist Katie Couric shared on Instagram, “Robert Duvall has died. What a fine actor. So many fantastic roles.
“Tender Mercies was my favorite—he won an Oscar for that role. He lived in the same apartment as I did when I first moved to New York.
“Rest in Peace and thank you for your beautiful films.”
Former co-star is 'gutted'
Monday 16 February 2026 20:11 , Carsen HoladayActor Robert Patrick has shared a statement remembering Robert Duvall, who played his father in 2012 film Jayne Mansfield’s Car.
“I am gutted. Robert Duvall I will miss you brother,” Patrick wrote on X. “I took this photo of Bobby on his back porch after a lovely meal prepared by his wife Luciana at their ranch in Virginia.”
He recalled, “That whole day is engraved in my memory. Luciana cooked the beef Argentina style and we sat for hours talking. We talked about the film we made with Billy Bob Thornton, Jayne Mansfield’s Car. Bobby called Billy Bob ‘the redneck Orson Welles’ and he meant it lovingly.”
Patrick continued: “We talked horses, dogs, Clemson football, dancing the tango and Marlon Brando. At one point he told me to go find the letter Marlon had sent him after they worked together on The Godfather. It was typed and perfectly composed. Bobby was more proud of that letter than his Oscar. Marlon was the actor he looked up to.
“I had ridden across country to attend Rolling Thunder with New York Myke and I so enjoyed being with Bobby. He was the actor I looked up to. His ability to find the truth of a scene was something special,” Patrick continued.
“Over the years I would call Bobby and we’d talk movies and barbecue. He loved barbecue and I’d always let him know when I was having it in Lockhart, Texas. Smitty’s or Kreuz or Blacks… which one was best. I will miss Bobby. I will always be proud that I got to play his son. Rest in peace brother.”
Stephen King pays tribute
Monday 16 February 2026 20:06 , Carsen HoladayAuthor Stephen King paid tribute to Robert Duvall by sharing one of the actor’s iconic lines from Apocalypse Now on X.
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning!"
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 16, 2026
RIP Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall came up alongside other Hollywood giants
Monday 16 February 2026 19:42 , Carsen HoladayBefore Robert Duvall made it big in Hollywood, he worked odd jobs and auditioned for roles as he came up in New York City alongside his two friends, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman, in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Hoffman and Duvall lived together in Manhattan as they joined a group of struggling actors that became friends, including Hackman, who occasionally roomed with the two of them.
Duvall told Vanity Fair in 2013 about the time: “Those were good years, not knowing what the future was about. All these friends. Very important. Dreaming. That was fun.”
The trio of friends each went on to become acclaimed character actors, with all three men winning at least one Academy Award.
Adam Sandler pays tribute to Robert Duvall
Monday 16 February 2026 19:44 , Carsen HoladayAdam Sandler wrote on X about Robert Duvall: “Funny as hell. Strong as hell.
“One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did.”
He continued, “So many movies to choose from that were legendary. Watch them when you can. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences.”
Duvall and Sandler co-starred in the 2022 Netflix sports movie Hustle.
TCM pays tribute
Monday 16 February 2026 19:17 , Carsen HoladayTurner Classic Movies has paid tribute to Robert Duvall in a statement.
“We say goodbye to Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker Robert Duvall,” the network said in an Instagram post.
“With a career spanning over seven decades, Duvall's storytelling transcended mediums and generations of audiences – as he delivered a range of unforgettable performances from his work on TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to APOCALYPSE NOW, and so much more.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” TCM concluded.
Survived by his wife
Monday 16 February 2026 19:08 , Carsen HoladayRobert Duvall is survived by his wife, Luciana Pedraza.
Duvall was married four times in his life, but never had any children.
He had been with Pedraza since they met in Argentina in 1997.
Jamie Lee Curtis remembers Robert Duvall
Monday 16 February 2026 18:58 , Carsen HoladayActor Jamie Lee Curtis shared on Threads that Robert Duvall was “The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen.”
She added, “Bravo, Robert Duvall.”
Robert Duvall shared childhood memories weeks before death
Monday 16 February 2026 18:49 , Carsen HoladayRobert Duvall celebrated his milestone 95th birthday in January by sharing childhood memories with his wife, Luciana.
'True Godfather of Hollywood'
Monday 16 February 2026 18:47 , Carsen HoladayDirector Joe Russo paid tribute to Robert Duvall with a post on X after news of his death Monday.
“We lost a titan,” Russo wrote. “A true consigliere. An actor who made every scene better just by his presence, Robert Duvall.
“RIP to a true Godfather of Hollywood,” he concluded.
Robert Duvall's iconic performances
Monday 16 February 2026 18:35 , Carsen HoladayBorn in San Diego, California, Robert Duvall earned his first of several Oscar nominations in 1973 for his supporting role inThe Godfather.
In 1984, he won the Best Actor award for his performance in the Western drama Tender Mercies.
He was also known for his performances in Apocalypse Now, Secondhand Lions and HBO series Lonesome Dove.
Robert Duvall dies at 95
Monday 16 February 2026 18:28 , Carsen HoladayLegendary actor Robert Duvall has died at 95, his wife Luciana announced Monday.
“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, surrounded by love and comfort,” Luciana wrote on Facebook.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
