The Godfather's Robert Duvall (95) dies

American actor Robert Duvall, best known for his iconic role in The Godfather, has passed away at the age of 95.

Duvall’s wife, Luciana, shared the news of his passing on Monday.

“Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home,” she said in a Facebook post.

She added that, while he was a storyteller to the world, "To me, he was simply everything".

“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.”

Duvall’s remarkable career spanned over more than six decades.

In addition to The Godfather, he appeared in blockbusters such as Apocalypse Now, To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Tender Mercies, which earned him a Best Actor award at the Academy Awards.

“For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all,” Luciana said.

To learn more about this story, listen to international correspondent Adam Gilchrist using the audio player below (skip to 1:50):