Feb 17, 2026 12:00pm IST
Adam Sandler, Viola Davis, Anupam Kher and Other Celebs Pay Wholesome, Moving Tributes to ‘Godfather,’ ‘Tender Mercies’ Actor Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his memorable performances in “The Godfather” films, “Apocalypse Now,” “Tender Mercies,” “Lonesome Dove,” “Network” and others, died at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday at the age of 95.
His wife, Luciana Duvall, shared the unfortunate news. In an emotional Facebook post on Monday, she wrote, “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. 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.”
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While the cause of death is not revealed, the announcement indicates that he died peacefully with his wife by his side.
Adam Sandler, who shared screen space with Duvall in the 2022 film “Hustle,” penned a heartfelt message on Instagram, which read, "Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did. So many movies to choose from that were legendary. Watch them when you can. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences."
Viola Davis, who worked with the legendary star in “Widows,” called it an honor to share screen space with Duvall. "I had the honor of working alongside you in ‘Widows.’ I was in awe. 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," Davis wrote.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher called him one of his favorites and tweeted on X, “#RobertDuvall was the kind of actor who never needed noise to command attention. Quiet, precise and profoundly truthful, he brought an extraordinary depth to every role he inhabited. For me, he was always one of the favorites — not because he sought the spotlight, but because he never needed to. From the restrained power of Tom Hagen in ‘The Godfather’ to the haunting intensity of Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in ‘Apocalypse Now,’ Duvall created characters that linger long after the screen fades to black. His Oscar-winning performance in ‘Tender Mercies’ revealed a rare vulnerability, while films like ‘The Apostle’ and ‘Lonesome Dove’ showed his fearless commitment to complex, deeply human stories. He was brilliant without flamboyance. Powerful without theatrics. A masterclass in understatement. Actors like Robert Duvall don’t just perform — they become. And in doing so, they quietly raise the standard for all of us who love this craft. Rest in grace. Your work will continue to teach, inspire, and endure. Om Shanti!”
Among his accomplishments, Robert also bagged two Primetime Emmy Awards — as a producer and lead actor — for AMC’s 2006 limited Western series “Broken Trail.”
In 2003, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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