Robert Duvall Net Worth 2026

Robert Duvall was an American actor, director, and producer with an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his death. He passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a seven-decade career widely regarded as one of the most accomplished in film and television history.

Renowned for his intensity, precision, and ability to disappear into roles, Duvall built a reputation as one of the most respected character actors of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Robert Duvall Net Worth: $50 Million
Date of Birth: January 5, 1931
Place of Birth: San Diego, California
Died: February 15, 2026
Nationality: American
Profession: actor, director, and producer

Table of Contents

Early Life

Robert Selden Duvall was born January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California. His father, William Howard Duvall, was a U.S. Navy rear admiral, while his mother, Mildred Virginia, had a background in theater and acting.

Because of his father’s military career, Duvall moved frequently during childhood, an experience that sharpened his ear for accents and understanding of human behavior — skills that later defined his performances.

He attended Principia College in Illinois before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. After completing military service, he moved to New York in 1955 to study acting under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

During this time, he formed lifelong friendships with aspiring actors Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman while supporting himself with a job at the post office.

Early Career

Duvall began his career in theater, developing a disciplined performance style through off-Broadway productions. He transitioned to television with appearances in:

Playhouse 90
Naked City
Alfred Hitchcock Presents

His film debut came in To Kill a Mockingbird, where he played Boo Radley. Though the role was brief and largely silent, it demonstrated his ability to command attention with minimal dialogue.

Throughout the 1960s, he appeared in films including True Grit and THX 1138, establishing himself as a dependable supporting actor.

Breakthrough

Duvall’s career reached new heights in 1972 when he portrayed Tom Hagen in The Godfather. His performance as the calm, calculating consigliere earned his first Academy Award nomination. He reprised the role in The Godfather Part II, further cementing his place in cinematic history.

The 1970s became a defining decade, with standout performances in:

Network
The Great Santini
Apocalypse Now

His portrayal of Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now became iconic, particularly the line about loving “the smell of napalm in the morning,” earning him another Oscar nomination and enduring cultural recognition.

Salary and “The Godfather” Pay Dispute

Duvall earned:

$36,000 for The Godfather (slightly more than co-star Al Pacino)
$500,000 for The Godfather Part II
Offered $1 million for The Godfather Part III

He declined to return for the third film after learning Pacino would receive a significantly higher salary, later stating the decision was a matter of principle.

Academy Award Win

In 1983, Duvall won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Tender Mercies, portraying a troubled country singer seeking redemption. He performed his own vocals, delivering one of the most restrained and authentic performances of his career.

He later wrote, directed, produced, and starred in The Apostle, earning another Oscar nomination and demonstrating his commitment to deeply personal storytelling.

Television Success

Duvall also excelled on television. In Lonesome Dove, he portrayed Augustus “Gus” McCrae — a role he often described as his personal favorite.

He later won an Emmy Award for Broken Trail and portrayed historical figures in projects such as Stalin and The Man Who Captured Eichmann.

Later Career

Duvall remained active well into his later years, appearing in films including:

Deep Impact
A Civil Action
Crazy Heart
The Judge
Widows

His performance in The Judge earned him an Academy Award nomination at age 84, making him one of the oldest nominees in acting categories.

Personal Life

Duvall married four times. In 2005, he married Luciana Pedraza, an Argentine actress and philanthropist 41 years his junior. The couple shared a passion for tango and collaborated on the film Assassination Tango.

Together, they founded the Robert Duvall Children’s Fund, which supports underprivileged children and families in northern Argentina through housing, education, and community development programs.

Real Estate

Duvall and Pedraza resided at Byrnley Farm, a historic Georgian estate in Fauquier County, Virginia. The 360-acre property served as their primary home and creative retreat for decades.