Mumbai, February 17: American actor and filmmaker Robert Duvall has passed away at the age of 95. The Oscar-winning actor gained international fame for his remarkable performance in the cult classic “The Godfather.” His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed the sad news via a Facebook post.
According to the statement, Robert took his last breath on Sunday at their home in Middleburg, Virginia. Born on January 5, 1931, in California, he had a career spanning over seven decades, featuring in more than 90 films and bringing depth to every role he portrayed.
Actor Anupam Kher expressed his sorrow over Duvall’s passing. Sharing pictures of Duvall on his Instagram account, he wrote, “Robert Duvall was an actor who never needed noise to grab attention. Calm, precise, and very genuine, he brought tremendous depth to every role and left a remarkable impression on screen. For me, he was always one of my favorite actors, not because he needed the spotlight, but because he never did.”
Kher further stated, “From the restrained strength of Tom Hagen in ‘The Godfather’ to the intensity of Kilgore in ‘Apocalypse Now,’ Duvall’s characters remain memorable long after the screen fades. His Oscar-winning performance in ‘Tender Mercies’ showcased unique acting, while films like ‘The Apostle’ and ‘Lonesome Dove’ highlighted his fearless approach.”
He concluded, “He was magnificent without being showy. A masterclass in saying less. Actors like Robert Duvall don’t just perform; they become. May your soul rest in peace. Your work will continue to teach and inspire.”
The 1972 release “The Godfather” established Robert Duvall as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. In Francis Ford Coppola’s film, he portrayed Tom Hagen with restraint and profound emotion.