'RIP to a true Godfather of Hollywood'

ROBERT Duvall — the cool-headed consigliere of The Godfather and the swaggering colonel who loved “the smell of napalm in the morning” — has died aged 95.

- BY CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

For more than seven decades, he was a fixture of Hollywood — not flashy, flamboyant, but always formidable.

Announcing his death, his wife Luciana said, “We said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time.

“Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.

“For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”

He died on Sunday.

Director Joe Russo said: “We lost a titan. A true consigliere. An actor who made every scene better just by his presence.

“RIP to a true Godfather of Hollywood.”

During his career, avid football fan Duvall collected an Academy Award and six further Oscar nominations, spanning Hollywood.