MIDDLEBURG, VA — Robert Duvall, the titan of American cinema whose career spanned seven decades and included iconic roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died. He was 95.
The Academy Award-winning actor passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his home in Middleburg, Virginia. His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed the news in a statement on Monday, noting that he was “surrounded by love and comfort” in his final moments.
Born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, Duvall became one of the most respected performers in Hollywood history. He was known for his extraordinary range and his ability to “quietly inhabit” any character, a trait that earned him seven Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Actor for his portrayal of a washed-up country singer in the 1983 film Tender Mercies.
A Legacy of Iconic Performances
Duvall’s filmography reads like a history of modern American cinema. He made his film debut as the mysterious Boo Radley in the 1962 classic To Kill a Mockingbird. However, it was his role as Tom Hagen, the loyal consigliere in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), that cemented his status as a household name.
His career was defined by several legendary collaborations and performances, including:
- Apocalypse Now (1979): His portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore earned him an Oscar nomination and delivered the immortal line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
- Lonesome Dove (1989): His role as Augustus “Gus” McCrae in the television miniseries remains one of the most beloved performances in Western history.
- The Apostle (1997): A passion project that Duvall wrote, directed, and starred in, earning him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
- Broken Trail (2006): A Western miniseries for which he won two Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor.
Tributes Pour In for a “Living Legend”
Duvall holds the distinction of appearing in more films on the AFI Top 100 list than any other actor. Beyond his Oscar and Emmy wins, he was a recipient of four Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA, and the National Medal of Arts, which he received in 2005.
Industry peers and fans have begun sharing tributes to the man often called an “actor’s actor.” Known for his steely-eyed intensity and understated grace, Duvall remained active in the industry well into his 90s, continuing to influence generations of performers with his dedication to the craft.
He is survived by his wife, Luciana Pedraza, whom he married in 2005. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but the family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.