From NBC News: Robert Duvall, the commanding and supremely versatile actor who earned a lasting place in American movie history as a stoic Mafia consigliere in “The Godfather,” a surf-loving Army colonel in “Apocalypse Now” and a washed-up country crooner in “Tender Mercies,” died Sunday.
He was 95.
Duvall died peacefully in his home in Middleburg, Virginia, with his wife at his side, according to a statement from his family.
In a prolific Hollywood career that spanned nearly six decades, Duvall deftly alternated between leading and supporting roles, delivering performances of coiled fury and quiet gravitas. He fully inhabited each character, whether portraying a ruthless TV executive in “Network” (1976) or a passionate Pentecostal preacher in “The Apostle” (1997).
He was nominated for seven Academy Awards and seven Golden Globes. He won the best actor Oscar in 1984 for his turn as alcoholic country singer Mac Sledge in Bruce Beresford’s “Tender Mercies.”
NBC reported that Duvall was born in 1931. His mother was an amateur actress and his father was a U.S. Navy rear admiral. He grew up on Navy bases around the country, and later served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Duvall’s wife, Luciana Duvall, posted the following statement on her husband’s Facebook page:
STATEMENT FROM LUCIANA DUVALL: 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.
Duvall just celebrated his 95th birthday on January 5. The day before his birthday, he posted the following on Facebook and wrote, “Luciana surprised me with this wonderful birthday video in preparation for tomorrow’s big 95! Thank you all for the support all of these years.”
READ MORE from NBC News.
Duvall starred in “Open Range” in 2003, where he uttered the line, “Shame to go forever without takin’ a taste of somethin’.”
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