He became famous for his quiet but powerful acting style, often saying more with a look or pause than with dialogue. His memorable roles included Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, and Bull Meechum in The Great Santini.
One of his most acclaimed performances came in Tender Mercies, where he played troubled country singer Mac Sledge. The role earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, and he received seven Oscar nominations during his career.
With more than 100 film appearances, along with television and theater work, Duvall left a lasting influence on generations of actors. His greatest legacy remains the unforgettable characters he created and the realism he brought to every performance.