Robert Duvall
| Photo Credit: AP
The death of Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall at the age of 95 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Hollywood, with longtime collaborators Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro remembering the veteran performer as one of American cinema’s most enduring talents.
Francis Ford Coppola, who worked extensively with Duvall across several decades, shared a personal tribute on Instagram reflecting on their creative partnership. Posting photographs from their collaborations, Coppola wrote, “What a blow to learn of the loss of Robert Duvall,” calling him “such a great actor” and an essential part of American Zoetrope from its earliest days. Coppola highlighted their work together on films including The Rain People, The Conversation, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, THX 1138 and Assassination Tango.
Coppola and Duvall collaborated on seven films in total, beginning in the late 1960s and extending into the early 2000s, helping define a major era of New Hollywood cinema. Duvall’s performances in Coppola’s films, particularly as Tom Hagen in The Godfather series, remain among his most celebrated roles.
Al Pacino, who starred opposite Duvall in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, issued a statement remembering his former co-star. “It was an honor to have worked with Robert Duvall,” Pacino said. “He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
Robert De Niro, who also appeared in The Godfather Part II as a young Vito Corleone, shared a brief but heartfelt message. “God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I’m 95. May he rest in peace,” the actor said.
Tributes continued to pour in from across the industry. Viola Davis, who worked with Duvall on Widows, wrote that it was an “honour” to share the screen with him, praising his ability to portray characters who were both restrained and commanding.
Michael Keaton, Adam Sandler, Jamie Lee Curtis and Alec Baldwin also shared messages remembering Duvall’s warmth, humour and range as a performer.
Duvall’s death was confirmed by his wife, Luciana Duvall, who said the actor passed away at home. His career spanned more than six decades, earning him an Academy Award, multiple nominations and a reputation as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Published – February 17, 2026 11:37 am IST
