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Duvall received supporting actor Oscar nominations for both “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” but declined to appear in the third installment of the mafia saga after a salary dispute — a decision widely lamented by fans and critics. He spoke openly about being offered less than his co-stars.

Known for meticulous preparation and intense focus, Duvall earned a reputation among fellow actors for his seriousness. Michael Caine once remarked that before a big scene, “Bobby just sits there, absolutely quiet; you know when not to talk to him.” His temper was equally legendary, flaring during the filming of the John Wayne Western “True Grit” after clashing with director Henry Hathaway.

He won the Academy Award in 1984 for “Tender Mercies,” accepting it in a cowboy tuxedo. In 1998, he was nominated again for best actor for The Apostle, a project he wrote, directed, produced and largely financed after spending 12 years developing it and visiting dozens of Southern churches for research.

Among his many other notable roles were appearances in True Grit, The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, M*A*S*H, Network, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution and The Great Santini.

“When I was doing ‘Colors’ in 1988 with Sean Penn, someone asked me how I do it all these years, keep it fresh. Well, if you don’t overwork, have some hobbies, you can do it and stay hungry even if you’re not really hungry," Duvall told The Associated Press in 1990.

Even into his mid-80s, he continued working, earning a supporting Oscar nomination for The Judge. Later projects included Widows and 12 Mighty Orphans.

Born in 1931 in San Diego and raised in Navy towns including Annapolis, Duvall was the son of a career naval officer. Drawing on his upbringing, he often portrayed complex military figures, including the volatile patriarch in “The Great Santini,” a role partly inspired by his father.

After struggling academically, he found his calling in college drama classes and later studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, alongside aspiring actors such as Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. Early television roles in “The Naked City” and “The Defenders” followed, setting the stage for one of the most enduring careers in American film.

Between major productions, Duvall pursued personal projects, directing documentaries and independent films including “Angelo, My Love” and Assassination Tango. A lifelong tango enthusiast, he spent years studying the dance in Argentina, which inspired the 2003 film.

In 2005, he married Luciana Pedraza, 42 years his junior. His three previous marriages ended in divorce.