Legendary Actor Robert Duvall Dies at 95

Looking back on when the Oscar winner visited Louisville for the Kentucky Derby

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Robert Duvall, the acclaimed actor known for roles in films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now", passed away peacefully at his Virginia home at the age of 95. Duvall's legendary performances earned him an invitation to the exclusive Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville, Kentucky in 1998, where he joined fellow Oscar winners Oliver Stone and Richard Dreyfuss.

Why it matters

Duvall was considered an "actor's actor" and his passing marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood's most respected and acclaimed performers. His appearance at the Barnstable Brown Gala, one of Louisville's most exclusive Kentucky Derby events, highlighted his stature in the entertainment industry.

The details

Duvall, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1983 for his role in "Tender Mercies", had appeared in over 70 films by the time he attended the 1998 Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville. The event, known for attracting major Hollywood stars, also hosted Oscar winners Oliver Stone and Richard Dreyfuss that year.

  • Robert Duvall passed away on February 15, 2026.
  • Duvall attended the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville, Kentucky in 1998.

The players

Robert Duvall

An acclaimed and Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in classic films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now". He passed away at the age of 95.

Patricia Barnstable Brown

The hostess of the exclusive Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville, Kentucky, which Duvall attended in 1998.

Oliver Stone

An Oscar-winning director who also attended the 1998 Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville.

Richard Dreyfuss

An Oscar-winning actor who also attended the 1998 Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville.

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What they’re saying

“Those are powerful people ― major Hollywood players.”

— Patricia Barnstable Brown, Hostess of the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala (The Courier Journal)

“(Duvall) is an actor's actor.”

— Patricia Barnstable Brown, Hostess of the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala (The Courier Journal)

What’s next

The Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala will continue to be one of the most exclusive and star-studded events surrounding the Kentucky Derby in the years to come.

The takeaway

Robert Duvall's legendary acting career and status as a Hollywood icon was highlighted by his invitation to the prestigious Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala in Louisville, where he joined other Oscar winners in celebrating the Kentucky Derby.