These Five Incredible Robert Duvall Roles Will Live Forever

Following the tragic passing of legendary actor Robert Duvall, there will inevitably be many people across the world introducing themselves to his outstanding filmography for the very first time.

While it's impossible to recommend where to start with Duvall's work, there are certainly some roles that feel more culturally important and groundbreaking than others. The actor may be gone, but these roles will live on forever.

Tom Hagen in 'The Godfather'

The Godfather is probably the film that Duvall is best known for today, and it was an equally important step forward in his career at the time of release. Not only did the film mark his first Academy Award nomination, but it was also his highest-grossing film (at the time) and has since become his most critically acclaimed.

Duvall plays Tom Hagen in The Godfather and its immediate sequel; he's the lawyer for the Corleone mafia family and the adopted son of Marlon Brando's protagonist, Vito Corleone. It's a very restrained role, but one whose nuance and subtlety stands out in an otherwise loud ensemble.

Frank Hackett in 'Network'

Network is a hugely popular film among cinema fans, but one that doesn't always get enough attention from general audiences. Sidney Lumet's 1976 satirical drama follows the workers of a TV network struggling with low ratings.

Duvall's character in Network is only a supporting role, but it's easily one of his most memorable. It's one of the few times he was given such a strong opportunity to lean entirely into comedy, and it works brilliantly.

Euliss F. Dewey in 'The Apostle'

The Apostle has often been described as Robert Duvall's passion project, and it's easy to see why. Not only did he star in the lead role, but he also wrote, directed, and produced the movie himself.

Duvall plays a downbeat Christian preacher named Euliss F. Dewey in The Apostle, and it was easily one of his most demanding roles. He goes through such a breadth of emotions and turmoil; it's perhaps his most impressive showcase as a dramatic actor.

Mac Sledge in 'Tender Mercies'

Tender Mercies is the project that secured Duvall his first and final Academy Award. He was nominated in the Best Actor category alongside legends such as Michael Caine, Tom Conti, and Albert Finney.

Tender Mercies is the story of singer-songwriter Mac Sledge, a legend of the country genre whose domestic life was filled with alcohol-fueled aggression and disharmony. It's a very challenging watch, but it's clearly an important step in Duvall's career that cemented him as a critical darling.

Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in 'Apocalypse Now'

Apocalypse Now marked a long-awaited reunion for Duvall and Francis Ford Coppola, the director of The Godfather. Coppola had the perfect opportunity to give his friend another dense, scene-stealing supporting role, and he certainly delivered—but the characters couldn't have been more different.

Duvall only has about ten minutes of screen time in Apocalypse Now, but his loud-mouthed military officer is responsible for some of the film's most iconic and quotable lines—including the notorious "I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" It's a true star-making turn, and one of many roles that cemented Duvall as a gem of the industry.