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Robert Duvall. Alamy Stock Photo
RIP
'You were a giant': Tributes paid to legendary actor Robert Duvall, who has died aged 95
Duvall passed away peacefully at home, his family said in a statement this evening.
LAST UPDATE | 16 Feb
ROBERT DUVALL, THE Oscar-winning actor celebrated for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.
Duvall passed away peacefully at home, according to a statement from his wife, Luciana.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” she said.
“Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.”
“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. 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,” the statement added.
His most memorable characters include the soft-spoken, loyal mob consigliere Tom Hagen in the first two instalments of “The Godfather” and the maniacal Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now.”
Duvall received an Academy Award (one of his seven Oscar nominations) for his performance as an alcoholic country singer in the 1983 film Tender Mercies.
The legendary American actor also portrayed the Boo Radley in the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird – a breakout performance for 31-year-old Duvall.
Over his six decade-long career, he shone in both lead and supporting roles, and eventually became a director.
Among the tributes to Duvall this evening is Viola Davis, who worked with him on the 2018 film Widows.
“I had the honour of working alongside you in Widows. I was in awe,” Davis said.
“I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness. You were a giant… an icon… Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tender Mercies, The Apostle, Lonesome Dove… etc… 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.”
Adam Sandler, who appeared alongside Duvall in the 2022 film Hustle, celebrated Duvall as “one of the greatest actors we ever had” in an Instagram tribute.
Sandler shared a number of photographs of the actor on Instagram, including one of the pair together from the film, and said: “Funny as hell. Strong as hell.”
“Such a great man to talk to and laugh with,” Sandler added.
Michael Keaton, who starred with Duvall in Ron Howard’s The Paper, also paid tribute to Duvall on Instagram, describing him as his “friend” and “greatness personified as an actor”.
Additional reporting from AFP
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