Hollywood remembered Robert Duvall as “greatness personified” on Monday following the 95-year-old acting legend’s death, with everyone from Adam Sandler to Viola Davis to Michael writing tributes to the Oscar winner on social media.
“I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals,” Davis wrote of the star of “The Godfather” and more recently Steve McQueen’s “Widows,” in which he acted alongside Davis.
Duvall’s family announced in a statement Monday that the actor, renowned for his roles in films such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” had died in his Virginia home. His wife, Luciana Duvall, was by his side.
“I had the honor of working alongside you in ‘Widows.’ I was in awe. I’ve always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness,” Davis wrote on Instagram. “You were a giant … an icon … ‘Apocalypse Now,’ ‘The Godfather,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘Tender Mercies,’ ‘The Apostle,’ ‘Lonesome Dove’ … etc. … Greatness never dies. It stays … as a gift. Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken … May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
“Another friend goes down,” Keaton shared on Instagram. “Acted with and became friends. Shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. He was greatness personified as an actor.”
Sandler, who starred alongside Duvall in Jeremiah Zagar’s 2022 basketball drama “Hustle,” shared his own message on Instagram about the acting titan.
“Funny as hell. Strong as hell. One of the greatest actors we ever had,” he said. “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.”
Duvall was among the most celebrated actors of all time, picking up seven Oscar nominations across his lengthy career. Duvall won Best Actor for 1983’s “Tender Mercies.” He earned nominations for “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” “A Civil Action” and “The Judge” (all Supporting), as well as “The Great Santini” and “The Apostle” (both Lead).
“We celebrate the legacy of Robert Duvall, a true acting legend whose work shaped generations,” SAG-AFTRA shared on X. “Twice honored with SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards, his influence on the craft will endure. Our thoughts are with his wife, Luciana, and all who loved him.”
You can see more statements from Duvall’s peers and admirers below.
