Hollywood mourns robert duvall: 'One of the greatest actors we ever had'
Film and theatre communities are marking the loss of Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose six-decade career produced some of American cinema’s most indelible roles. Duvall, who won best actor for Tender Mercies and earned seven Oscar nominations across a long and varied career, was remembered by colleagues as a towering presence, a rigorous artist and a generous collaborator.
Career highlights: the roles that defined a legacy
Duvall’s work ranged from the intimate to the epic. He created memorable performances as the mafia consigliere in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II and delivered one of cinema’s most quoted lines as a forceful army officer in Apocalypse Now. That brief, electrifying performance — anchored by the now-legendary line about the smell of napalm — demonstrated his ability to make even short screen time feel monumental.
He was also a writer and director, most notably on The Apostle, a film that showcased his capacity to construct and inhabit a character so fully that audiences were swept along. His work in Tender Mercies earned him an Academy Award for best actor, confirming a reputation for subtlety and range that extended well beyond a single genre.
A chorus of tributes from peers
The industry response has been immediate and heartfelt. Al Pacino praised Duvall’s natural gift and connection to his craft, saying his understanding and talent will long be remembered. Robert De Niro expressed admiration and wished him peace, noting a hope to reach a similar age in life. Adam Sandler shared photographs from their time working together on Hustle, calling Duvall “funny as hell, strong as hell” and one of the greatest actors the industry has seen.
Viola Davis recalled her experience on a recent film, saying she had been in awe of Duvall’s portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating, and called him “a giant… an icon. ” Walton Goggins, who worked with Duvall on The Apostle, wrote that a vital creative light has dimmed, calling Duvall the greatest storyteller of all time in his view.
Peers remember his craft and temperament
Directors and co-stars have highlighted the traits that underpinned Duvall’s longevity: discipline, preparation and a refusal to rest on past success. One director recalled Duvall arriving on set still feeling the nerves of opening night, treating each role as fresh and new. That same director noted small, human moments — Duvall quietly singing between takes, or relying on a partner to feed him lines when needed — that illustrated both his humility and his devotion to performance.
His colleagues described him as the stabilising force on set, a “rock” who brought gravity to every scene and made room for others to shine. That steadiness, coupled with a willingness to take risks — writing, directing and betting on challenging material — helped him craft a singular career that influenced multiple generations of actors and filmmakers.
Duvall’s death closes a long chapter in American film history, but the performances, characters and moments he created will continue to be screened, studied and loved. As many of his peers have said, his artistry does not end with him; it remains a living part of the films and stories he helped make.
