Robert Duvall, star of The Godfather, dies at 95 – details of his passing
The great American actor Robert Duvall , one of the most prominent figures of Hollywood's golden age, has passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind an artistic legacy spanning six decades and a collection of timeless roles that shaped the consciousness of movie lovers around the world, most notably his iconic role as the mafia lawyer in the "Godfather" series.
His wife, Luciana DuVall, announced the death in a moving statement on Monday, saying, "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, my dearest friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home." She added, describing his passion for life and art, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, director, and novelist. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his art was matched only by his deep love of characters, good food, and being with friends.".
"New Hollywood" icon
Robert Duvall was a key figure in what became known as "New Hollywood" in the 1970s, an era characterized by realism and bold cinematic approaches. Duvall was not simply an actor performing his roles; he possessed an exceptional ability to immerse himself in a character, making him a favorite of leading directors like Francis Ford Coppola.
Duvall cemented his place in cinematic history with his portrayal of Tom Hagen, the calm and loyal advisor to the Corleone family in the first two installments of the masterpiece "The Godfather." His performance in this role was characterized by composure and depth, as he presented a model of a mafia lawyer who balances family loyalty with professional coolness, a role that established him as an international star and earned him prestigious awards.
From Vietnam to the Oscars
DuVall's creativity was not limited to organized crime roles; he delivered one of the most famous scenes in the history of war cinema through the character of "Colonel William Kilgore" in the 1979 film "Apocalypse Now." Despite the short duration of the role, his famous line "I love the smell of napalm in the morning" became a cultural icon reflecting the absurdity and madness of war.
Duvall's illustrious career culminated in his winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1983 for his role in "Tender Mercies." In this film, Duvall brilliantly portrayed a former country singer struggling with alcoholism and trying to rebuild his life, proving his ability to carry an entire film on his shoulders, beyond the supporting roles in which he excelled.
An unforgettable artistic legacy
Throughout his career spanning over sixty years, Duvall was nominated for an Oscar six times, and his roles ranged from American Westerns and social dramas to thrillers. In his later years, he turned to directing and writing, affirming that art is not just a profession but a way of life. With the passing of Robert Duvall, world cinema loses one of its last giants, a man who bridged the gap between classic cinematic performance and modern school realism.
