Robert Duvall, an American actor and filmmaker, passed away at his farm at the age of 95 in Middleburg, Virginia, on February 15, 2026.
His wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced the tragic news through a public statement.
Robert Duvall was one of the most respected and talented actors in film history. He graced the screen with unforgettable performances, becoming a beloved figure in American cinema.
His journey to stardom began in the 1960s with small roles on television shows like The Defenders and Playhouse 90. He made his first memorable mark on film in 1962, playing the mysterious and gentle Boo Radley in the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
While he worked steadily, it was in the 1970s that he became a household name, often in films directed by his friend and former roommate, Francis Ford Coppola. He played the quiet, conflicted consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) and its sequel.
Duvall later delivered one of his most famous lines as the charismatic but wild Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979), uttering the iconic phrase, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.“
His career never slowed down, and he had won an Oscar, four Golden Globes, two Emmys, and a BAFTA.
He was remembered as one of the last great stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood at the time of his death. He leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary work, defined by his deep commitment to his characters and his ability to bring authenticity to every role he played.
The Marriages of Robert Duvall: A Look at the Late Actor’s Personal Life
Following the passing of the legendary actor Robert Duvall, fans are reflecting not only on his monumental career but also on his rich and eventful personal life.
He was married four times but had no children, a fact he addressed with his characteristic honesty.
During 2007, he told a reporter that he was shooting blanks, adding a wry smile that he tried with a lot of different women, in and out of marriage.
His first marriage was to Barbara Benjamin, a former dancer and announcer on The Jackie Gleason Show. The couple met during the filming of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird in 1962 and were wed from 1964 until their divorce in 1975.
After nearly seven years of being single, Duvall married Gail Youngs in 1982. That union, which ended in 1986, briefly made him the brother-in-law of actor John Savage and siblings Robin and Jim Youngs.
His third marriage was to dancer Sharon Brophy. They were together from 1991 to 1995.
Duvall’s fourth and final marriage brought him lasting happiness. In 2005, he wed Luciana Pedraza, an Argentine architect he met in Buenos Aires in 1997.
Their meeting was a matter of chance.
The flower shop was closed, so I went to the bakery. If the flower shop had been open, I never would’ve met her.
Robert Duvall
Despite a 41-year age gap, they shared a deep bond, a love of the tango, and even the same birthday, January 5th.
Duvall, a skilled tango dancer, produced and directed the film Assassination Tango as a vehicle for them both.
The Duvall family has announced that a memorial service to celebrate the life of the acclaimed actor will be held soon. Details will be made public by the family at a later date.
Rest In Peace, Robert Duvall.
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