Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95.
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His wife, Luciana, confirmed the actor's death in
a Facebook post this morning."Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time," she wrote. "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."
Robert Duvall Became Known for His Iconic Roles
Duvall was born to a military family in San Diego, California. He was eventually bitten by the acting bug. He studied alongside Gene Hackman and James Caan at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.
Duvall's breakthrough role came when he played Boo Radley in the film adaptation of Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He also became a favorite of director Francis Ford Coppola, who cast him as Tom Hagen in the mafia epic The Godfather and Lt. Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. Duvall delivered the latter film's most iconic line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
The Actor Starred in One of the Great Westerns of All Time
Duvall often portrayed military officers, lawmen, preachers, and complex antiheroes, all with a deep commitment and authenticity. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as a country singer in Tender Mercies.
In addition to his acting work, Duvall was also a writer and director. He received critical acclaim for his work on The Apostle.
But for fans, Duvall's role as Gus McCrae in the miniseries based on Larry McMurtry's novel, Lonesome Dove, remains his finest work.
Taking place on a cattle drive, McCrae is the embodiment of a Western hero, often talking about his love of whiskey and women, a sharp contrast to Tommy Lee Jones' Woodrow F. Call. Duvall was awarded a Golden Globe for his role.
