How Robert Duvall became a Hollywood great Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95. Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall. Beginning with his 1962 film debut as Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. They earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for “Tender Mercies,” which came out in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite. My favorite Robert Duvall character was in Lonesome Dove; he made the part of Gus McCrae one for the history books!
RIP RD. The man really didn’t make a bad movie, that I have seen anyway. I know I haven’t watched his whole catalog.
He played so many great roles! He’ll probably always be remembered most as Augustus McCrae, but my other favorite is as Hub in Secondhand Lions. RIP, Mr. Duvall.
