Robert Duvall dies 'peacefully at home' aged 95 as family release emotional statement

Robert Duvall has passed away aged 95. The Oscar-winning actor's wife, Luciana Duvall, shared a statement on Facebook announcing the news on February 16. 

Luciana revealed that Robert had passed away "peacefully at home" in Middleburg, Virginia, and was "surrounded by love and comfort". 

The message read: "Yesterday 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." 

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It continued: "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. 

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"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." 

Robert had an incredible career, and won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in 1983's Tender Mercies, where he played country singer Mac Sledge, a recovering alcoholic. 

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He was highly praised for his singing, performing several country songs, including "It Hurts to Face Reality" and "Fool's Waltz". He not only sang but also wrote some of the songs himself. 

During his decade-spanning career, he was nominated for an Academy Award seven times. Along with Tender Mercies, he was nominated for his roles in The Godfather (1972), Apocalypse Now (1979), The Great Santini (1979), The Apostle (1997), A Civil Action (1998), and The Judge (2014). 

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Robert made his film debut aged 31, taking on the role of Arthur "Boo" Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird in 1962. By the 1970s, he had established himself as a key star in the "New Hollywood" movement. 

In his personal life, Robert met his wife, actor and director Luciana in 1997, and got married in 2005. The pair met in Argentina. The actor was previously married to Barbara Benjamin Marcus, Gail Youngs and Sharon Brophy.