Posted on 02/16/2026 10:28:32 AM PST by Morgana
Hollywood icon Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95.
He was best known for playing Tom Hagen opposite Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
The actor's wife, Luciana, announced the news Monday on Facebook, writing, '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.'
She added ... '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. 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.'
he San Diego native worked as an actor for seven decades.
Duvall began his career on TV with minor roles in the 1960s on The Defenders, Playhouse 90 and Armstrong Circle Theatre.
He made his feature film acting debut portraying Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).
Other early roles include Captain Newman, M.D. (1963), Bullitt (1968), True Grit (1969), M*A*S*H (1970), THX 1138 (1971), Joe Kidd (1972), and Tomorrow (1972).
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
I really hated Martin Sheen’s portrayal of R. E. Lee in “Gettysburg” (The Killer Angels). In way, way over his head. Seemed like he mailed it in, too.
damn I still have to see that.
To me, his most iconic and best performance by far was as Colonel "Bull" Meechum in The Great Santini, with about a dozen great performances in classic films that are close runners up.
Another thing I can say about Duvall is that he rarely gave a bad performance in any film, even in the most thankless roles and movies where other actors would phone in their performances.
Somebody once mentioned that he should have played Rooster Cogburn in the remake of True Grit.
That would have been something.
A great actor.
Rest In Peace.
Was actually quite good as “Stalin”, a movie Hollywood has tried to cover up for years.
Sheen played R.E.Lee like he was on tranquilizers!
Great actor, both as a lead or supporting role. First noticed him in Bullett as the Taxi Driver.
My favorite line for him: I love the smell of napalm in the morning... When it was all over I walked up. We didn’t find one of ‘em, not one stinkin’ dink body. The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like victory.
RIP
Have you ever read Pat Conroy books? He’s gone now but wrote one (maybe his last?), “The Death of Santini”...a goodbye and reconciliation with his own dad...great book but he wrote so many good ones. A native of SC and superb author.
“”Best portrayal of Robert E. Lee ever in God’s and Generals!””
Never saw that one....thanks for adding it.
He was such a cocky ass in that. However, I still laugh out loud when I think of the bathroom scene in "Santini" Oorah!!
Similar to John Cazale.
He was in five movies(both Godfathers, Dog Day afternoon, The Deer Hunter, The Conversation).
Every one was nominated or won the Academy Award for Best picture. He was dying of lung cancer while filming The Deer Hunter.
In complete fairness, post 19 beat me to it ;-). I was just adding one of my favorite scenes.
“”Second Hand Lions is one of my favorites.””
Another unfamiliar one - thanks...I think everyone has their favorites..he was just plain GREAT!!! Unmatched ever!
Interesting that you mention that. One of the things that made Duvall so memorable is that he could step into iconic, larger than life roles as well as John Wayne could, but he had a thousand times the acting range - he could play mild-mannered, eccentric, vulnerable, or crazy as well as he could play macho.
Interestingly enough, Duvall and Wayne really hated one another and almost came to blows during the filming of True Grit, a real clash of personalities.
I'm probably the only American male who's never seen Apocalypse Now despite the fact that I have the 4K disc in my collection. I'll watch it soon.
I loved him in Secondhand Lions and again in The Judge. I will have to go back and watch Gods and Generals.
What movie wasn’t he great in? Absolutely the best
The 1974 movie Conrack starring Jon Voight (playing Conroy) was based on Conroy’s memoir “The Water is Wide”. This movie chronicles Conroy’s experience teaching underprivileged children on a remote South Carolina island.
“”Of course I hated Jon Voight in ‘Coming Home””
I was trying to think of ANYONE who could match Robert Duvall and Jon Voight is one....glad you mentioned him..
Great in Open Range movie.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.