Oscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Dead at 95

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM

Celebrated actor and "Godfather" star Robert Duvall has sadly passed away at the age of 95 after a decades long career in Hollywood.

Robert Duvall
KCS Presse / MEGA

Hollywood is in mourning after legendary actor Robert Duvall passed away. The actor, who won his Oscar for the 1983 film "Tender Mercies," was 95 years old, and his wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced his passing on social media. In addition to "Tender Mercies," Duvall is most renowned for films such as "The Apostle," "The Judge," and "The Godfather."

Robert Duvall Will Be Missed

On the red carpet.
MEGA

Duvall passed away on February 15, 2026. His wife, Pedraza, took to Facebook the following day to share the news. 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."

The grief-stricken wife continued, "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."

She concluded, "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."

Fans Are Paying Tribute To His Legacy

Duvall with his wife

MEGA

Following the announcement of Duvall's passing, many of his fans are taking to social media to remember his legacy. One person said on Instagram, "One of the greatest ever. RIP." Someone else wrote, "Wow, I remember Robert, and I having a drink and a long conversation, 50 years ago.RIP."

Other Instagram users highlighted their favorites from his legendary filmography. One noted, "Such a legend was on an episode of the OG twilight zone, Godfather, Apocalypse, come on. Immortal." A different person stated, "I was literally watching the scene of Days of Thunder last night."

Additionally, some tributes highlighted who he was as a person. One example, "He was a great actor and even a better man!" Someone else noted, "Aww, another good one gone, Rip." Finally, a different fan said, "Gone but never forgotten. RIP."

He Leaves Behind A Brilliant Legacy

Duvall, though best known for his screen work, began his acting career on stage and appeared in productions such as "A View from the Bridge." After that, he got his start playing bit parts in Hollywood. Per IMDb, his first was 1960's "The Robert Herridge Theater," in which he appeared for a single episode.

From there, he appeared in tv shows and movies such as "Armstrong Circle Theatre," "Playhouse 90," "John Brown's Raid," and
"Great Ghost Tales." However, his big break didn't come until 1962 when he played Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird." After that, Duvall continued, later encountering the roles that would make him a star.

Some of the most notable include "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," "Lonesome Dove," "Something to Talk About," and "Gone in 60 Seconds."

 

 

 

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