Veteran American actor Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at 95.
His wife, Luciana Duvall, announced his death in a statement shared on his Facebook page, saying he died peacefully.
“Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort,” Mrs Duvall wrote.
She said; “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.
“For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all.
“Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”
A graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York, he trained alongside Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman.
Robert Duvall began on stage and television in the late 1950s before gaining recognition as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird.
He later earned global acclaim as Tom Hagen in The Godfather and its sequel, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies.
Other notable works include Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini and Lonesome Dove.
PUNCH