Inside Robert Duvall's Surprise For His 'Big 95' Before His Death

Robert Duvall's wife pulled all the stops to make his 95th birthday super special!

The filmmaker did not pass on without his wife, Luciana, getting him a befitting gift a few weeks before his death, and he happily flaunted the gesture to his online family.

Robert Duvall died on February 15, 2026, leaving behind seven decades of an eventful career and a legacy decorated with Oscars, Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and one Screen Actors Guild Award.

The actor posted an emotional clip compiled by his wife, Luciana, a day before his 95th birthday. In the caption, Duvall noted that it was a birthday surprise ahead of his big celebration.

The clip had featured several images of little Duvall as a child indulging in several habits he loved, such as horseback riding. At the end of the video, Duvall was seen taking a huge bite from a large round cookie given to him as a voice in the background cheered him on.

Duvall's post was received with thousands of likes from his fans and followers, who wished him a happy birthday in advance and thanked him for being a significant part of their childhood with his touching movies and amazing talent.

"Thank you for the brilliant artistic way you gave us the gift of your talents. From the Godfather...all the way to Lonesome dove (well the list goes on and on. (Apocalypse now) Thank you for showing what true acting is," this Facebook user stated.

The lovebirds met in 1996 and tied the knot in 2005. Duvall and Lucines stayed married until he passed on Sunday, February 15, 2026. As noted by PEOPLE, Luciana and the actor had worked together in several movies and often attended red carpet events together.

The filmmaker does not keep away from expressing how much his bond with Luciana meant to him. Five years ago, he referred to Luciana as one of the best things in his life, who looks after him and makes each day worth it.

On how they met, Duvall revealed that his wife was actually the one who approached him after her friend nudged her to invite him to a party. Aside from their close bond as partners and connection to the industry, Duvall and Luciana also share the same birthday, although they were born 40 years apart.

The actor's wife, who is also a director, enjoys doing charity work, and she founded "The Robert Duvall Children's Fund" alongside her husband in 2011. Together, Luciana and Duvall help children in northern Argentina and local women to start up their businesses.

"We do it on our own level. When you see the reward of things being done, it's really nice, you know, and her father, Luciano, helps with building homes in Argentina with the money that comes in," Duvall explained.

Luciana took to Facebook to announce the passing of her husband, stating that they said their goodbyes to the actor, who is a cherished friend and one of the greatest actors in the industry. 

The director stressed that Duvall, often called "Bob" by his loved ones, passed away surrounded by his family and in the comfort of his home. As stated by The Blast, Luciana stressed that she saw a different side to the actor aside from what everyone else thought about him.

The late actor's wife acknowledged that his passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. She continued that for each of his many roles, the actor gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.

Luciana concluded the post with gratitude to the fans for years of support shown to the actor as he leaves behind something lasting and unforgettable.

Robert's death announcement evoked feelings of nostalgia among fans who spoke lovingly about the actor and his incredible talent. Some of his loved ones raved about special moments spent with the actor, which included bonding over drinks and lengthy conversations.

Duvall was described as a legend who left his imprint on people's hearts with his acting prowess and great traits as a human being. The media personality's acting technique was also commended as it often left viewers feeling his impact with every thought and each scene.

The late filmmaker did not pass on without wishing his fans a happy holiday back in November. His last interaction with the public was in a television appearance, "The Culture Mafia," earlier in the year.

The 95-year-old was nominated for an Oscar seven times before he clinched one for his role in 1983's "Tender Mercies." Duvall went against the grain of his Navy father's expectations to serve in the United States Navy.

According to the BBC, Duvall moved to New York after serving two years in the army to pursue a career in acting while working as a postal clerk to get by. He began acting professionally at the Gateway Playhouse in Long Island, where he starred in plays written by Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, and more.

The actor went on to star in many productions, but his performance in "The Godfather" as Tom Hagen earned him his first Academy Award nomination in 1973. He went on to win a BAFTA and his first of four Golden Globe awards for his appearance in "Apocalypse Now."

More Oscar nominations emerged from his acting in 1997's "The Apostle," 1998's "A Civil Action," and 2014's "The Judge." The actor was married and divorced three times and has no children, simply because it did not work out.

RIP, Robert Duvall.