Robert Duvall Remembered by Adam Sandler, Alec Baldwin and Jamie Lee Curtis as 'One of the Greatest Actors'

Duvall's death at 95 was announced on Monday, Feb. 16

NEED TO KNOW

• Adam Sandler, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Alec Baldwin have all paid tribute to Robert Duvall after the actor’s death
• Duvall died at 95 on Sunday, Feb. 15
• Sandler starred alongside Duvall in the 2022 film Hustle

Adam Sandler, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alec Baldwin and more are paying tribute to Robert Duvall after he died at 95.

The Oscar winner for 1983's Tender Mercies, a prolific actor with a 70-year career, was also known for roles in films including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, To Kill a Mockingbird and many more.

"Funny as hell. Strong as hell," Sandler, 59, who co-starred in Hustle alongside the late Duvall in 2022, wrote in an Instagram post. "One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did. So many movies to choose from that were legendary. Watch them when you can. Sending his wife Luciana and all his family and friends our condolences."

Curtis, 67, shared a still from Duvall's performance in The Godfather in an Instagram post, and called the actor "The greatest consigliere the screen has ever seen."

Baldwin, 67, shared a video about Duvall's impact on filmmaking in an Instagram post. He cited Duvall's first ever onscreen performance as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird as an inspiration, and said it spoke to Duvall's power as an actor to deliver such a performance "without a single word of dialogue."

"He completely shatters you. And whenever I watch that movie, those scenes with Duvall are just so arresting to me," adding that Duvall is "up there with the greats."

Baldwin also revealed that he once met Duvall at a "celebrity tennis match" and described him as "irascible" and "crusty" but "a gentleman." The actor concluded the video by sending condolences to Duvall's widow and his friends.

Duvall's wife, Luciana, announced the news on Monday, Feb. 16 on Facebook, writing, "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." TMZ was first to report on Duvall's death.

"To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything," she added. "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."

In 2021, Duvall appeared on PEOPLE (The TV Show!) while promoting his film 12 Mighty Orphans, and discussed what life was like after 70 years of acting in front of the camera.

When asked what he loved most about being 90, Duvall said, "Love the most? I don't know if I love any of it, but day to day with my wonderful wife."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"She takes care of me, and I have good friends and try to work out and keep in some kind of shape," he continued.

Noting that he was still acting, Duvall told PEOPLE. "I'm always living well."

Duvall is survived by his wife.

Read the full article here