See Robert Duvall's Life in Photos as the Legendary Actor Turns 94

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert Duvall in November 2014.Photo:MJ Kim/HFA2014/Getty

MJ Kim/HFA2014/Getty

Robert Duvallis celebrating another trip around the sun.

As the legendary actor turns 94, look back at his life in photos, from his early days in theater to movie star status and his quiet life in Virginia with wifeLuciana Pedraza.

01of 08Robert Duvall’s ChildhoodRobert Duvall in ‘The Twilight Zone’ in 1962.CBS via GettyRobert Selden Duvall was born on Jan. 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, to Navy Rear Admiral William Duvall and actress Mildred Duvall (née Hart). He spent most of his childhood in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, for a bachelor’s degree in drama.After graduating from college in 1953, he served one year in the U.S. Army. In 1955, he began studying under acting teacher Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, where he met friendsDustin HoffmanandGene Hackman.“I was terrible at everything but acting — I could barely get through school,” Hoffman told PEOPLE in a 1977 interview.

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Robert Duvall’s Childhood

Robert Duvall in ‘The Twilight Zone’ in 1962.CBS via Getty

CBS via Getty

Robert Selden Duvall was born on Jan. 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, to Navy Rear Admiral William Duvall and actress Mildred Duvall (née Hart). He spent most of his childhood in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, for a bachelor’s degree in drama.

After graduating from college in 1953, he served one year in the U.S. Army. In 1955, he began studying under acting teacher Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, where he met friendsDustin HoffmanandGene Hackman.

“I was terrible at everything but acting — I could barely get through school,” Hoffman told PEOPLE in a 1977 interview.

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Robert Duvall’s Early Career

Robert Duvall in ‘The Fugitive’ in 1963.CBS via Getty

Duvall began his acting career onstage, performing in plays around New York for much of the ‘50s while working day jobs at Macy’s and the post office.

03of 08‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and Film BreakthroughRobert Duvall as Boo Radley in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.Silver Screen Collection/GettyAt the recommendation of screenwriter Horton Foote’s wife, he booked his debut film role in the adaptation of the famousHarper LeenovelTo Kill a Mockingbird. Duvall played town outcast, Boo Radley, oppositeGregory Peck’s Atticus Finch andMary Badham’s Scout.AfterTo Kill a Mockingbird’s critical acclaim, the film roles came rolling in. Duvall landed parts in 1966’sThe ChasewithJane Fonda,Marlon BrandoandRobert Redford, 1969’sTrue GritwithJohn Wayneand 1970’sMAS*HwithDonald Sutherland, among many others.

03of 08

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and Film Breakthrough

Robert Duvall as Boo Radley in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.Silver Screen Collection/Getty

Silver Screen Collection/Getty

At the recommendation of screenwriter Horton Foote’s wife, he booked his debut film role in the adaptation of the famousHarper LeenovelTo Kill a Mockingbird. Duvall played town outcast, Boo Radley, oppositeGregory Peck’s Atticus Finch andMary Badham’s Scout.

AfterTo Kill a Mockingbird’s critical acclaim, the film roles came rolling in. Duvall landed parts in 1966’sThe ChasewithJane Fonda,Marlon BrandoandRobert Redford, 1969’sTrue GritwithJohn Wayneand 1970’sMAS*HwithDonald Sutherland, among many others.

04of 08Robert Duvall Wins an OscarRobert Duvall wins an Oscar in 1983.Bill Nation/Sygma via GettyThe acclaimed film actor racked up several Oscar nominations for 1972’sThe Godfather, 1979’sApocalypse Nowand 1981’sThe Great Santini, but he didn’t claim the coveted award until the 1983 dramaTender Mercies. His portrayal of Mac Sledge — a former country music star recovering from alcoholism and trying to repair his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter — earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.“I forget that what we’re really here is to single out who we think is the best for that given year, and if that’s what I am to be this year, I appreciate it. I accept it with an honor, and I am very moved because of that,” Duvall said in his speech. He then thanked the Academy and country musicians like friendJohnny Cash,Willie Nelsonand Waylon Jennings for accepting and honoring the film.Duvall later received three more Oscar nominations forThe Apostlein 1997,A Civil Actionin 1998 andThe Judgein 2014.

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Robert Duvall Wins an Oscar

Robert Duvall wins an Oscar in 1983.Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

The acclaimed film actor racked up several Oscar nominations for 1972’sThe Godfather, 1979’sApocalypse Nowand 1981’sThe Great Santini, but he didn’t claim the coveted award until the 1983 dramaTender Mercies. His portrayal of Mac Sledge — a former country music star recovering from alcoholism and trying to repair his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter — earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

“I forget that what we’re really here is to single out who we think is the best for that given year, and if that’s what I am to be this year, I appreciate it. I accept it with an honor, and I am very moved because of that,” Duvall said in his speech. He then thanked the Academy and country musicians like friendJohnny Cash,Willie Nelsonand Waylon Jennings for accepting and honoring the film.

Duvall later received three more Oscar nominations forThe Apostlein 1997,A Civil Actionin 1998 andThe Judgein 2014.

05of 08Robert Duvall’s Marriage to Luciana PedrazaRobert Duvall and Juliana Pedraza in 1998.Frank Trapper/Corbis/GettyDuvall, who had been married three times, met his current wife Luciana Pedraza in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at a bakery in 1997. According to the actor in a 2011 interview withEsquire, Pedraza approached him to extend a party invitation. He showed up, and the rest was history.In 2001, the couple foundedThe Robert Duvall Children’s Fundto assist impoverished children and families in northern Argentina, as well as help women in the country start their own businesses.They married in 2005 and have appeared together in two films, 2002’sAssassination Tangoand 2015’sWild Horses.“She said, ‘Oh, what will it be like when we grow old together?’ And I said, ‘I already am old,'“ he joked toOprah.comin 2015. “We enjoy each other’s company. Love is an important thing, you know. All kinds of love.”

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Robert Duvall’s Marriage to Luciana Pedraza

Robert Duvall and Juliana Pedraza in 1998.Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty

Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty

Duvall, who had been married three times, met his current wife Luciana Pedraza in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at a bakery in 1997. According to the actor in a 2011 interview withEsquire, Pedraza approached him to extend a party invitation. He showed up, and the rest was history.

In 2001, the couple foundedThe Robert Duvall Children’s Fundto assist impoverished children and families in northern Argentina, as well as help women in the country start their own businesses.

They married in 2005 and have appeared together in two films, 2002’sAssassination Tangoand 2015’sWild Horses.

“She said, ‘Oh, what will it be like when we grow old together?’ And I said, ‘I already am old,'“ he joked toOprah.comin 2015. “We enjoy each other’s company. Love is an important thing, you know. All kinds of love.”

06of 08

Robert Duvall Wins an Emmy

Robert Duvall wins an Emmy in 2007.Vince Bucci/Getty

Vince Bucci/Getty

07of 08Robert Duvall’s Most Recent RolesRobert Duvall in ‘The Judge’ in 2014.Claire Folger/Warner Bros/Team Downey/Kobal/ShutterstockHe continued acting into the 2010s and 2020s, most notably starring inBilly Bob Thornton’sJayne Mansfield’s Car,Jack ReacherwithTom Cruise,The JudgewithRobert Downey Jr.and the heist thrillerWidows. For his portrayal of Joseph Palmer inThe Judge, Duvall earned praise and multiple award nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor.Most recently, he starred in two 2022 films,HustleandThe Pale Blue Eye.Of retirement, Duvall said duringa talk at Hollins Universityin 2022, “There always comes a day where you say, ‘That’s it, no more.’ I haven’t quite come to that, but almost.”

07of 08

Robert Duvall’s Most Recent Roles

Robert Duvall in ‘The Judge’ in 2014.Claire Folger/Warner Bros/Team Downey/Kobal/Shutterstock

Claire Folger/Warner Bros/Team Downey/Kobal/Shutterstock

He continued acting into the 2010s and 2020s, most notably starring inBilly Bob Thornton’sJayne Mansfield’s Car,Jack ReacherwithTom Cruise,The JudgewithRobert Downey Jr.and the heist thrillerWidows. For his portrayal of Joseph Palmer inThe Judge, Duvall earned praise and multiple award nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor.

Most recently, he starred in two 2022 films,HustleandThe Pale Blue Eye.

Of retirement, Duvall said duringa talk at Hollins Universityin 2022, “There always comes a day where you say, ‘That’s it, no more.’ I haven’t quite come to that, but almost.”

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Robert Duvall’s Life Today

Robert Duvall on ‘A Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ in 2021.CBS via Getty

Today, the actor lives with his wife of nearly 20 years Pedraza on a farm in Virginia’s Fauquier County.

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

source: people.com