Francis Ford Coppola has led a wave of tributes from across Hollywood following the death of his longtime collaborator and close friend Robert Duvall, who died on Sunday at the age of 95.
On Instagram Monday afternoon, Francis Ford Coppola reflected on both Duvall’s talent and his importance to Coppola’s creative life.
“What a blow to hear of the loss of Robert Duvall,” he wrote.
“Such an amazing actor and such an essential part of the American Zoetrope from the start.”
Coppola went on to list the films that defined their partnership, including The Rain People, The conversation, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse now, THX 1138 and Assassination Tango.
Across his career, Coppola worked with Duvall on seven films, beginning with The Rain People in 1969 and continued over several decades.
Their collaborations helped shape some of the most influential American films of the 20th century, with Duvall delivering performances that became central to Coppola’s work.
Tributes quickly followed from Duvall’s co-stars, including his co-star The Godfather Part II actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
In a statement shared with BlackPacino said: “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.”
De Niro offered a shorter but heartfelt message, writing, “God bless Bobby. I hope I live to be 95. May he rest in peace.”
As news of Duvall’s death spread, messages of remembrance poured in from across the film industry.
Viola Davis, who appeared alongside Duvall in the 2018 thriller Widowsshared his own tribute on Instagram, describing it as an “honour” to work with him.
“I was in awe,” she wrote, praising his ability to portray men who were both quiet and commanding.
“You were a giant… an icon…”Apocalypse now,”The Godfather,”To Kill a Mockingbird,”Tender Mercy,”The apostle,”Lonely dove‘… etc… Greatness never dies. It will be… like a gift. Rest well, sir. Your name will be spoken… May angelic flights sing you to your rest.”
Michael Keaton, who starred opposite Duvall in Ron Howard’s 1994 film The paperalso celebrated, recalling a personal friendship beyond the screen.
In his Instagram post, Keaton wrote: “Another friend goes down. Performed and became friends. Shared a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. He was greatness personified as an actor. RIP RD.”
Taken together, the tributes paint a picture of an actor who was not only admired for his extraordinary range and presence, but also deeply respected and loved by those who worked with him.
For Coppola and many others, Robert Duvall’s legacy lives on through the films and performances that continue to define American cinema.
