Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 95.

 Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 95.

His wife, Luciana Pedraza, announced his death on Feb. 16, sharing that he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. She described him not only as an acclaimed actor, director and storyteller, but as her beloved husband and closest companion.

Born in 1931 in San Diego, California, Duvall was raised primarily in Annapolis, Maryland. His father was a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and hoped his son would follow a military path. Instead, Duvall pursued acting. After high school, he served in the Army during the Korean War era before studying drama at Principia College and later training under Sanford Meisner at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse. His classmates included Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman and James Caan.

Duvall made his film debut as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. He went on to build a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors, appearing in films such as The Godfather, where he played Tom Hagen, and reprising the role in its 1974 sequel. His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

In Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Duvall portrayed Lt. Col. Kilgore and delivered the iconic line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” The role brought him another Oscar nomination.

He received additional acclaim for The Great Santini and won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Tender Mercies. Over the years, he earned a total of seven Oscar nominations, including for The Apostle and The Judge.

Other notable credits included Network, Days of Thunder, Sling Blade, Deep Impact, Thank You for Smoking and Jack Reacher. He continued acting well into his 90s, appearing in films such as Widows, The Pale Blue Eye and Hustle.

Though best known for his film work, Duvall also found success on television, winning two Emmy Awards for the AMC miniseries Broken Trail.

Duvall was married four times. In 2005, he married Luciana Pedraza, whom he began dating in 1996. The couple frequently collaborated, including on the film Assassination Tango, which he wrote and directed.

Even in his later years, Duvall expressed gratitude for his life and career, crediting his wife, friends and dedication to staying active. He is survived by his wife, Luciana.