Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its greatest actors. Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning performer best known for his unforgettable roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95, his wife confirmed.

Duvall passed away peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from his wife, Luciana Duvall.

“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” she wrote in a heartfelt post on social media. “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”

A Career That Defined Generations

Robert Duvall’s acting career spanned over six decades, with nearly 100 film and television credits. He was known for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional intelligence to every role he took on.

Some of his most iconic performances included:

• Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II — the calm, calculating consigliere to the Corleone family.
• Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, delivering the unforgettable line: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
• Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies, a washed-up country singer role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1984.
• Memorable turns in To Kill a Mockingbird, Lonesome Dove, The Apostle, and many others.

Duvall was nominated for multiple Oscars throughout his career and received critical acclaim for his ability to disappear into roles — whether rugged Westerners, conflicted soldiers, or understated supporting characters.

Awards and Legacy

Duvall earned seven Academy Award nominations and won one for Tender Mercies. His body of work also garnered multiple Golden Globes and other major honors.

He was one of the defining actors of the New Hollywood era, a generation of performers who reshaped American cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.

His talent was widely respected by peers; fellow actors and filmmakers remembered him not just for his skill on screen, but for his dedication to craft and integrity in performance.

Tributes Pour In

Tributes from Hollywood stars and collaborators have already begun to pour in following news of his death. The Godfather co-star Al Pacino honored Duvall’s memory, calling working with him “an honor” and sharing admiration for his enduring influence.

Fans and fellow actors alike have taken to social media to celebrate a career that delivered some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments. In many online forums, fans remembered his roles with affection and gratitude, noting his impact on generations of viewers and performers.

Personal Life and Final Years

Duvall remained active in Hollywood well into his later years, with his final screen appearances including roles up to the early 2020s. In the months before his death, he shared personal video messages with fans capturing his gratitude and love for his supporters.

He is survived by his wife Luciana, whom he married in 2005. The couple had shared more than two decades together.

No official cause of death has been released, but reports indicate he died peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Robert Duvall’s Enduring Impact

From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now, from indie dramas to iconic Westerns, Robert Duvall’s career was defined by versatility, depth, and a remarkable emotional honesty. His contributions helped shape some of the most powerful films of the 20th and 21st centuries.

His legacy will continue to be cherished by audiences around the world. It’s a legacy built not just on great performances, but on a profound understanding of the human condition — one that few actors have matched.