Tributes are pouring in from Hollywood for Robert Duvall, who died on Sunday at the age of 95.
Duvall’s death was announced on Facebook through a statement from his wife, Luciana Duvall.
Adam Sandler, who co-starred with Duvall in the 2022 film Hustle, shared a heartfelt memory on Instagram. He wrote that the Hollywood icon was “one of the greatest actors I have ever met.”
“He’s a great guy to talk to and laugh with,” Sandler wrote. “We loved him very much. We all did. There are so many legendary movies. Please watch them as much as you can. My condolences go out to his wife Luciana and all his family and friends.”
Viola Davis wrote in an Instagram thread that it was an “honor” to work with Duvall in the 2018 thriller “Widows.”
“I was in awe,” Davis added, “I was always in awe of your portrayal of towering men, quiet yet dominant in their humanity. You were a giant… an icon… ‘Apocalypse Now,’ ‘The Godfather.’ ‘A Tale of Alabama’, ‘Tender Mercy’, ‘The Apostle’, ‘The Lonely Dove’… Greatness never dies. It remains… As a gift, rest in peace, your name will be spoken… May the flight of angels give you peace.”
Michael Keaton, who co-starred with Duvall in Ron Howard’s 1994 office comedy The Paper, wrote on Instagram: “Another friend has fallen. We worked together and became friends. We spent a wonderful afternoon on the porch talking about horses. He was the epitome of greatness as an actor. Rest in peace.”
“Fallout” star Walton Goggins, who had a bit role in 1997’s “Apostle,” directed by and starring Duvall, wrote a lengthy eulogy on Instagram, writing, “The light in heaven has lost its brightness. The greatest storyteller of all time, Bobby Duvall, was my friend and my mentor. I’ve carried these photos with me for 30 years. I was 24 years old when I worked as a still photographer on the set of the movie “THE APOSTLE,” which he wrote and directed. Working with this man and getting to know him is still the most important experience of my life. He was my north star and my hero. ”
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos also remembered Duvall on Instagram. Along with stills from his most famous work, he wrote, “It’s no easy feat for Hollywood to be a unique actor who can steal every scene in the greatest movies ever made, yet remain a leading man capable of driving films both big and small. Such an actor and such a star. Today we lost one of our greats. Thankfully, we will always have Tom Hagen, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, Bull Meachum, Mac Sledge, and all of his great characters.” It has become immortal for us. ”
Josh Gad paid tribute to Duvall on his Instagram thread, writing: “Another day. Another iconic and irreplaceable loss. Duvall was simply one of the greatest to do just that. From The Godfather movies to Apocalypse Now, from The Apostle to To Kill A Mockingbird, he defined cinema not just in movies, but throughout the ages. Rest In Peace.”
Author Stephen King shared one of Duvall’s most iconic lines from ‘X’ in honor of the late actor. He wrote, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning!” Rest in peace, Robert Duvall. ”
Scott Cooper, who directed Duvall on “Crazy Heart” and his last film, “Pale Blue Heart,” said in a statement to Variety that he considers “The Godfather” star Duvall his “most important artistic mentor.”
“He produced and starred in my first film, Crazy Heart, and has read nearly every script I’ve written since then, lending his quiet wisdom and unwavering faith in me,” Cooper said. “He was my most ardent supporter. He was not bombastic, but had integrity, rigor, and a love for his craft. His legacy as one of the true giants of acting is undeniable, but what I will most carry with me is his example of generosity, humility, and a life devoted to truth. Without him, I would not be the director or the person I am.”
