MIAMI, United States. – American actor and director Robert Duvall, winner of the Oscar award and one of the most influential interpreters of contemporary cinema, died this Sunday at the age of 95 at his residence in Middleburg, Virginia, confirmed on Facebook his wife, Luciana Duvall.
“Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. To the world, he was an Oscar-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” the widow wrote.
Likewise, Luciana highlighted Duvall’s artistic dedication throughout his career: “Bob gave everything to his characters and the truth of the human spirit they represented. Having done so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable for all of us.”
With a career that spanned more than six decades, Duvall established himself as one of the great character actors of American cinema. His name was indelibly associated with emblematic productions such as The godfatherwhere he played lawyer Tom Hagen; Apocalypse Nowin which he played Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore; and Tender Merciesa film for which he won the Oscar for best actor.
Duvall received seven Academy Award nominations throughout her career. In addition, he was honored with four Golden Globes and, in 2005, received the United States National Medal of Arts.
Before becoming a central figure in the cinema of the 1970s and 1980s, the actor had developed a solid career in theater and television.
Duvall was born in San Diego, California, in 1931, and made his film debut with the role of Boo Radley in To kill a mockingbird, film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Harper Lee.
Beyond his work as a performer, Duvall also ventured into direction. Among the titles he directed are The Apostle and Assassination Tango. The first of both, in addition to directing it, he wrote and starred in it.
His interpretation in Apocalypse Now left one of the most memorable phrases of American war cinema “”I love the smell of napalm in the morning”). The line became one of the most quoted moments of the film and became permanently associated with his character. Meanwhile, his role in The godfather He integrated it into one of the most influential sagas in the history of cinema.
Duvall was considered one of the most respected performers of his generation, admired for the intensity and naturalness of his performances. His career included collaborations with leading directors and participation in productions that marked an era.
