Tributes pour in for The Godfather actor, Robert Duvall, who's died aged 95
Hollywood stars have been paying tribute to the veteran actor
Tributes are pouring in from Hollywood stars including Adam Sandler, Michael Imperioli and Jamie Lee Curtis in honour of The Godfather actor Robert Duvall who has died at the age of 95.
The Oscar-winning actor died “peacefully” at his home surrounded by “love and comfort”, according to a statement by his wife Luciana Duvall.
Ms Duvall went on to describe the actor as a “beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time” in a post shared on his Facebook page.
Tributes have since poured in for the veteran actor including from Sandler, who starred alongside him in the 2022 Netflix sport comedy Hustle.
Sandler shared a number of photographs of the actor on Instagram, including one of the pair together from the film, and said: “Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had. 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.”
Jayne Mansfield’s Car co-star Robert Patrick also paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor with a post on Instagram.
He said: “I am gutted. Robert Duvall I will miss you brother.
“He was the actor I looked up to. His ability to find the truth of a scene was something special.
“Over the years I would call Bobby and we’d talk movies and barbecue. He loved barbecue and I’d always let him know when I was having it in Lockhart, Texas.
“I will miss Bobby. I will always be proud that I got to play his son. Rest in peace my friend.”
The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli said Duvall was “one of the best ever” and described him as “an actor’s actor” in a post on Instagram.
He continued: “Brilliant. Genius. Mesmerized in every role.
“One of the greatest bodies of work in cinema history.”
Hollywood star Viola Davis said she was “in awe” when she worked alongside Duvall in the 2018 thriller Widows in a post on Instagram.
She said: “I had the honour 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… Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, To Kill A Mockingbird, Tender Mercies, The Apostle, Lonesome Dove… etc… Greatness never dies. It stays… as a gift.
“Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Meanwhile The White Lotus actor Walton Goggins, who starred alongside Duvall in The Apostle, thanked him for “changing” his life and for his years of friendship and mentorship in an emotional tribute on Instagram.
Sharing a number of photographs of the pair together, he said: “The celestial light just lost its glow..It certainly did for me. Bobby Duvall, the greatest storyteller of all time just left us.
“He was my friend. My mentor. 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. 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.”
Meanwhile Jamie Lee Curtis shared a photograph of Duvall as Tom Hagen in a post on Instagram with the caption: “The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen.
“Bravo, Robert Duvall.”
Batman star Michael Keaton, who acted alongside Duvall in 1994’s The Paper, before they appeared together in A Shot At Glory in 2000, said on Instagram: “Another friend goes down. Acted with and became friends. Shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses.
“He was greatness personified as an actor.”
The Academy praised the actor in a tribute on Instagram and said: “Robert Duvall brought a rare kind of gravity to the screen, the kind that never demanded attention yet held it completely.
“His work remains a masterclass in restraint, and his presence will be deeply missed, living on in the countless performances that continue to move, steady, and inspire us.”
Over the course of his career, Duvall was nominated for seven Academy Awards, eight Golden Globes and five Emmys.
He made his screen debut in 1963’s To Kill A Mockingbird, playing the mysterious neighbour Boo Radley before going on to star in a number of films including 1972’s The Godfather where he portrayed Mafia consigliere Tom Hagen – a role which he reprised in The Godfather Part II.
The role earned him his first Oscar nomination in the best supporting actor category. However, it was not until 1984 that he won the best actor gong for Tender Mercies, playing a country music star recovering from alcoholism.
The Hollywood star is also known for his performance as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in 1979’s Apocalypse Now, which he made famous with the line: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
He went on to star in films including 1979’s The Great Santini, 1990’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and 2014’s The Judge alongside Robert Downey Jr.
He also played a Scottish football manager in the 2000 movie A Shot At Glory.
Other famous faces we've lost this year:
Terry Yorath
Former Leeds and Wales footballer Terry Yorath sadly died at the age of 75 following a short illness in January. His family, including his daughter, TV presenter Gabby Logan, shared the sad news via a statement, which said: "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for playing the iconic role of cab driver Charlie Slater in BBC soap EastEnders, sadly died at the age of 92 on 10th January 2026. Derek's agent Sharon Henry sharing a statement on behalf of his family, which read: "Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Trevor A Toussaint
Actor Trevor A Toussaint, best known for playing the role of Walter Deveraux on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, sadly died at the age of 65 in January. His rep confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend."
Francis Buchholz
German bassist Francis Buchholz, best known for his two-decade tenure with Scorpions and being a member of Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, sadly died in. January, aged 71. A post from his family said: 'It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.'
Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress Catherine O'Hara sadly died at the age of 71 in January, following a brief illness. The Canadian-American comedy star was well known for playing Kevin's mum in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
John Virgo
Snooker player and commentator John Virgo sadly died at the age of 79 in February. World Snooker Tour confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."
James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek sadly died at the age of 48 in February, following a battle with bowel cancer. The family statement said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Robert Duvall
The Godfather actor Robert Duvall sadly passed away at the age of 95 in February. The Oscar-winning actor died "peacefully" at his home surrounded by "love and comfort", according to a statement by his wife Luciana Duvall.