Al Pacino Mourns Robert Duvall: ‘The Godfather’ Star Dies at 95

Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-nominated actor renowned for his roles in iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” has died at the age of 95, his wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed Monday.

The actor passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by family at his home, according to a statement shared on Facebook. Luciana Duvall described him as a “loving husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time.” She noted his dedication to his craft, his appreciation for great food, and his skill in conversation.

News of Duvall’s death prompted tributes from fellow actors, including Al Pacino, who expressed his sorrow and admiration for his former co-star. “It was an honor to work with Robert Duvall,” Pacino said in a statement released Tuesday, February 17, 2026. “He was a man born to be an actor, as they say, his relationship with it, the way he understood acting, and his phenomenal talent will always be remembered. I will miss him.”

Born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, Duvall pursued his passion for acting after studying drama at Principia College in Illinois and later moving to New York. He began his career with a role in the 1962 film “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Duvall’s career spanned decades, encompassing a diverse range of roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Tom Hagen, the consigliere to Marlon Brando’s Don Vito Corleone, in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972) and its sequel, “The Godfather Part II” (1974). He later reflected on his one regret regarding his work on “The Godfather,” according to People magazine.

Beyond “The Godfather” films, Duvall’s notable credits include “True Grit” (1969), “Gone in 60 Seconds” (2000), “Gods and Generals” (2003), and “Crazy Heart” (2009). His final roles were in the 2022 films “Hustle,” alongside Adam Sandler, and “The Pale Blue Eye,” with Christian Bale.

Robert De Niro also joined Al Pacino in remembering Duvall, highlighting his contributions to “The Godfather Part II,” according to Variety.