One of Hollywood’s most commanding yet understated actors has taken his final bow. Robert Duvall’s death marks the end of an era — and his parting request is as moving as any role he played.
Robert Selden Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for his performances in “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” died on February 15, 2026, at age 95.
While audiences knew him for his commanding screen presence, those closest to him described a far more personal side. In a deeply personal message, his wife offered a glimpse into the man the public rarely saw.
Robert Duvall arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 27, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
A Simple Farewell
In a statement shared on Facebook, Luciana Duvall wrote, “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time.”
She said he passed away surrounded by love and comfort and described him simply as “everything.”
According to NBC News, Duvall did not want a formal service.
Instead, his family said he wished to be honored by “watching a great film, telling a good story around a table with friends, or taking a drive in the countryside to appreciate the world’s beauty.”
His final request echoed the quiet, personal life he maintained outside of Hollywood.
Robert Duvall poses during a photocall for the television series “Broken Trail” at the 47th Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on June 13, 2007 | Source: Getty Image
Career Milestones
Over the course of his decades-long career, Duvall earned seven Academy Award nominations, according to IMDb.
He won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1984 for “Tender Mercies,” a performance widely regarded as one of the most restrained and powerful of his career.
Robert Duvall poses with his Best Actor Oscar for “Tender Mercies” at the 56th Academy Awards on April 9, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
He also received nominations for “The Godfather” (1973), “Apocalypse Now” (1980), “The Great Santini” (1981), “The Apostle” (1998), “A Civil Action” (1999), and later for “The Judge” (2015), underscoring his longevity in Hollywood.
The nominations spanned more than four decades, reflecting a career defined by consistency and range.
Robert Duvall attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
That legacy was quickly echoed by those who worked alongside him.
Tributes Pour in From Hollywood
Colleagues across the industry shared tributes honoring Duvall’s legacy.
Al Pacino, his “Godfather” co-star, said in a statement to The Associated Press, “It was an honor to have worked with Robert Duvall. 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 Duvall and Al Pacino appear in 1974 “The Godfather: Part II” | Source: Getty Images
Adam Sandler wrote on Instagram, “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. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences.”
On Threads, Viola Davis said it was a privilege to work with him on “Widows” and that she always admired his powerful screen presence. She called him a giant and an icon, pointing to his long list of classic films.
Davis said his greatness will live on and ended her message by wishing him peace and saying he will always be remembered.
Michael Keaton Douglas also posted 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 RIP RD.”
The tributes highlighted not only his talent, but the private warmth many said defined him off-screen.
Reflections on Family and a Life Well Lived
The Daily Mail reported that Duvall rarely spoke about not having children, choosing instead to focus on his craft and his life experiences.
A source told the outlet that while he had acknowledged in the past that having children “wasn’t in the cards,” he did not consider it a regret. Additionally, he lived “an incredible life” and that his 95 years were “well spent.”
In a previous interview with People while promoting “12 Mighty Orphans,” Duvall reflected on aging and marriage. At age 90, he said he did not necessarily “love” being 90, but cherished his daily life with his wife.
“She takes care of me, and I have good friends, and try to work out and keep in some kind of shape,” he said, emphasizing the simple routines that grounded him in later years.
Robert and Luciana Duvall attend the premiere of “Wild Horses” during the 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival on March 17, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Duvall’s death follows the passing of his “The Godfather” co-star Diane Keaton, who died at 79 in 2025.
Keaton’s death drew significant public attention, with many reflecting on her career and the statements released by her family.
A netizen’s reaction to the statement from Diane Keaton’s family regarding the actress’s death, as posted on October 15, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people
One stunned netizen wrote, “What!! Omg what a horrible thing! I wasn’t expecting that. So sad.” Another asked, “Was it not skin cancer?” A third added, “That’s so fixable. Sad 😢.”
A different commenter reacted, “I don’t believe it,” while another remarked, “Wow no way!” A separate commenter said, “Hmmm 🤔 that’s suspicious.”
Diane Keaton attends the premiere of “Book Club” in Westwood, California, on May 6, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
One individual stated, “pneumonia.” Another shared a personal reflection, “pneumonia Something [sic] can be so fatal. I almost passed away from it last year. It’s not as fixable as one would think!”
Diane Keaton attends the premiere of “Mack and Rita” in Hollywood, California, on August 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Family’s Message
Amid a wave of emotional reactions online, the family shared a statement with People, published on October 15, 2025:
“The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11.”
Diane Keaton attends the Thom Browne Fall 2023 Couture Collection runway show in Paris, France, on July 3, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
But even in death, Keaton’s compassion lives on. Her family encouraged the public to honor her legacy through acts of kindness:
“She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Diane Keaton attends the premiere of “Love the Coopers” in Los Angeles, California, on November 12, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
With the passing of Duvall and Keaton, Hollywood has lost two unforgettable talents whose performances shaped generations of filmgoers. Their legacies will endure far beyond the screen.
