'God bless!' Robert De Niro hopes to live as long as Robert Duvall in sweet tribute
The Godfather Part II actor Robert De Niro hopes he can live as long as his late co-star Robert Duvall, who died this week aged 95.
Robert De Niro hopes he can live as long as Robert Duvall.
The 82-year-old actor - who starred with Duvall in The Godfather Part II and True Confessions - has paid tribute to the late big screen legend following his death this week aged 95.
In a tribute, De Niro told The Hollywood Reporter: "God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till I’m 95.
"May he Rest in Peace.”
Their Godfather castmates Al Pacino described Duvall as "a born actor", and admitted he will "miss" his friend.
He added: “It was an honor to have worked with Robert Duvall.
"He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him.”
The sentiment was echoed by filmmaker Scott Cooper, who worked with Duvall on what would be his final film, 2022's gothic thriller The Pale Blue Eye.
He told the same outlet in a statement: "Robert Duvall was the most important artistic mentor I had. He produced and acted in my first film, Crazy Heart, and from that moment forward, read nearly every screenplay I wrote, offering his quiet wisdom and unwavering belief in me.
"He was my fiercest supporter — not with grand gestures, but with honesty, rigor, and love for the work itself.
"His legacy as one of the true giants of acting is secure, but what I will carry with me most is his generosity, his humility, and the example he set of a life devoted entirely to truth.
"I would not be the filmmaker — or the man — I am without him.”
Duvall's wife, Luciana, was the first person to announce news of his passing, confirming that he was "at home, surrounded by love and comfort".
In a statement posted on Facebook, Luciana said: "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.
"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."
