Hollywood pays tribute to Robert Duvall following his death
Hollywood is remembering actor Robert Duvall following his death Sunday at age 95.
The Academy Award-winning actor, a towering figure of American cinema whose work spanned more than seven decades, was known best for delivering unforgettable performances in classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," as well as his starring roles in films like "The Natural" and "Tender Mercies."
Duvall's wife Luciana Duvall announced the news of his death in a statement shared on his official Facebook page Monday, stating that the actor and filmmaker "passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort."
As word of his death spread, tributes poured in across social media, with fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans alike honoring Duvall's extraordinary talent, lasting legacy and the indelible mark he left on film.
Adam Sandler shared a throwback photo of Duvall on Intagram, praising the late actor in a heartfelt caption.
"Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had," he wrote. "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."
Fellow Academy Award winner Viola Davis also paid tribute to Duvall on Instagram, recalling their time working together on the 2018 neo-noir heist thriller "Widows."
"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…" she wrote.
Davis mentioned several of Duvall's most celebrated projects, including the films "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Tender Mercies," "The Apostle," and the miniseries "Lonesome Dove," before adding, "Greatness never dies. It stays… as a gift. Rest well, sir."
In a deeply personal tribute, Walton Goggins, who co-starred with Duvall in the 1997 Southern Gothic drama "The Apostle," remembered him as "the greatest storyteller of all time."
"He was my friend. My mentor," Goggins wrote in the caption of an Instagram post, alongside several snapshots from the film's set. "I've had these photos with me for 30 years. They were taken by the still photographer on the set of THE APOSTLE, the movie he wrote and directed. I was 24. The privilege of getting to work with this man, to know this man is still the most important experience of my life."
Goggins continued, "He was my North Star, my hero. He knew it. He gave me permission, afforded me the privilege of never having to leave his side while we were working… we maintained a deep friendship for years after. He didn't have to do that. But he did. He had that effect on a lot of people… but this was my story. I love you Bobby. Thank you for changing my life. Sammy."
Jamie Lee Curtis also paid tribute to Duvall on Monday, posting a still of Duvall in character as consigliere and Corleone family lawyer Tom Hagen, his iconic role from "The Godfather."
Curtis wrote in the caption, "The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen. Bravo, Robert Duvall."
Michael Keaton, who co-starred with Duvall in the 1994 comedy-drama film "The Paper," also reflected on their friendship.
"Another friend goes down," Keaton wrote in the caption of an Instagram post on Monday. "Acted with and became friends. Shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. He was greatness personified as an actor. RIP RD."
