Robert Duvall. Photo Reuters.
According to reports, Robert Duvall, an Oscar winner and iconic actor, passed away at the age of 95. He became famous for his outstanding roles in films such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," as reported by the "Russian Service of the BBC."
The actor spent his final days in his home in Virginia, where he passed away. This was revealed in an official statement released by his wife, Luciana.
Duvall won the Oscar in 1984 for his outstanding performance as a country musician in the film "Tender Mercies."
In addition, he received six Oscar nominations for supporting roles, including his work in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now." His last nomination came in 2014 when he was 83 years old, for the film "The Judge."
In "Apocalypse Now," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Duvall played Colonel Bill Kilgore, who was obsessed with surfing. His scene commanding a helicopter attack on a Vietnamese village set to Wagner's music became one of the most memorable moments in cinema history.
Although his character appears on screen for only a few minutes, it was this role with the line "I love the smell of napalm in the morning" that made him famous. Interestingly, it was initially planned for the character to be more eccentric, but Duvall decided to soften his portrayal.
In his interviews, the actor often emphasized that the role of Augustus McCrae, a Texas Ranger turned cowboy in the 1989 miniseries "Lonesome Dove," was his favorite.
Duvall made his film debut 63 years ago in the adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
In "The Godfather," he played the role of Tom Hagen, the advisor to the mafia boss.
