Recommendations of the Editorial team
Walton Goggins, Michael Keaton and Marissa Tomei paid tribute legendary actor Robert Duvall after his death at the age of 95.
Adam Sandler, who worked with Duvall in the 2022 basketball film “Hustle,” remembered his co-star as “damn funny,” “damn strong” and “one of the greatest actors we’ve ever had.” He continued: “Such a great person to talk to and laugh with. I loved him so much. We all do. So many legendary films to choose from. Watch them if you can. Our condolences go out to his wife Luciana and all his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, Viola Davis said it was an “honor” to star alongside Duvall in Steve McQueen’s 2018 heist thriller Widows. The actress said she was “in awe” on set and was “always in awe of [seinen] outstanding portrayals of men who were at the same time silent and dominant in their humanity”.
Awe of a giant
She added: “You were a giant…an icon…Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Who Bothers the Nightingale, Comeback of Love, Apostle!”, Lonesome Dove…etc…True greatness does not die. It remains…as a gift. Rest in peace, sir. Your name will be honored…May choirs of angels accompany you to your rest.”
Walton Gogginswho had a small role in one of Davis’s mentioned films, 1997’s Apostles!, called Duvall “the greatest storyteller of all time.”
“My North Star, my hero”
Goggins shared several photos from the set of “Apostle!” – which Duvall also wrote and directed – and explained: “The privilege of working with this man, of knowing him, remains to this day the most important experience of my life. He was my north star, my hero. He knew that. He gave me permission, granted me the privilege of never having to leave his side while we were working… we maintained a deep friendship for years afterward. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. He had that effect on a lot of people… but that’s my story. I love you, Bobby. Thank you for changing my life.”
Michael Keaton, who worked with Duvall in Ron Howard’s 1994 film The Paper, wrote on Instagram: “Another friend has left us. Played with him and became friends. We spent a great afternoon on my porch talking about horses. He was a great actor.”
Trailblazer and mentor
Marisa Tomei, who also appeared in “Headlines,” said Duvall was “the reason why [sie] became an actress,” and specifically referred to his performances in “The Great Santini” and “Comeback of Love.” “He touched me to the core,” she wrote. “These two opposing roles. My heart was opened by him. The greatest. A titan. Rest in peace.”
Filmmaker Scott Cooper, who directed Duvall in two films – “Crazy Heart” and his last film, 2022’s “The Pale Blue Eye” – called the actor his “most important artistic mentor” in a statement to Variety.
Legacy of a Titan
“He was my most passionate supporter – not with grand gestures, but with honesty, rigor and love for the work itself,” Cooper added. “His legacy as one of the true giants of acting is assured, but what I will carry with me most is his generosity, his humility and the example of a life dedicated to the truth. Without him, I would not be the filmmaker or the person I am.”
Jamie Lee Curtis remembered Duvall as “the greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen” – a reference to his appearances in The Godfather films. And Jane Seymour, who starred with Duvall in The Stars Fell on Henrietta, explained: “There are actors who act and there are actors who fully embody a role. Robert Duvall belonged to the second category. His screen presence carried honesty, weight and grace.”
