Legendary Actor Robert Duvall Dies at 95

Co-stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino pay tribute to their Godfather colleague

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Iconic actor Robert Duvall, known for his roles in The Godfather films and other classics, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his farm in Middleburg, Virginia. He was 95 years old. Duvall's Godfather co-stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino issued emotional statements honoring the late actor, with Pacino calling him a "born actor" and De Niro saying "God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I'm 95. May he Rest in Peace."

Why it matters

Duvall was a legendary figure in American cinema, with an acclaimed career spanning over 60 years. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last remaining stars of the iconic Godfather films directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Duvall's death also comes shortly after the passing of his Godfather co-star Diane Keaton in 2025, further highlighting the loss of that generation of acting greats.

The details

Duvall died at his farm in Middleburg, Virginia on February 15, 2026. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced his passing in an emotional statement, calling him "simply everything" and saying he died "peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort." The cause of death was not revealed.

  • Robert Duvall passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Diane Keaton, who played Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy, died on October 11, 2025.

The players

Robert Duvall

An iconic Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in films like The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies. He was 95 years old at the time of his death.

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed actor who co-starred with Duvall in The Godfather Part II. De Niro paid tribute to Duvall, saying "God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I'm 95. May he Rest in Peace."

Al Pacino

A legendary actor who co-starred with Duvall in The Godfather films. Pacino called Duvall a "born actor" and said "I will miss him."

Francis Ford Coppola

The acclaimed director of The Godfather trilogy, who worked extensively with Duvall on that film series as well as other projects like Apocalypse Now.

Luciana Pedraza

Duvall's wife, who announced his passing in an emotional statement calling him "simply everything."

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What they’re saying

“God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I'm 95. May he Rest in Peace.”

— Robert De Niro (The Associated Press)

“It was an honor to have worked with Robert Duvall. He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”

— Al Pacino (The Associated Press)

“What a blow to learn of the loss of Robert Duvall. Such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning: The Rain People, The Conversation, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, THX 1138, Assassination Tango.”

— Francis Ford Coppola (Instagram)

The takeaway

Robert Duvall's passing marks the end of an era, as one of the last remaining stars of the iconic Godfather films has now died. His co-stars and collaborators have paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary actor, highlighting his immense talent and the indelible mark he left on American cinema.