Robert Duvall’s candid and often humorous remarks about the 41-year age gap between him and his wife have resurfaced following the Hollywood legend’s death. The Oscar-winning actor was married to Luciana Duvall, née Pedraza, for two decades before his death on February 15 at the age of 95. While their relationship frequently attracted public attention, Duvall rarely treated the subject seriously, instead choosing blunt humour and honesty whenever it came up.

Despite the jokes, the actor admitted the gap initially gave him pause. In a 2010 interview with the Washington Post, Duvall quipped he was old when they first met, though he said the feeling quickly passed once their relationship developed. Born in 1931, Duvall was 41 years older than Luciana, who was born in 1972. Asked once what it would be like for them to grow old together, he responded: “She said, ‘Oh, what will it be like when we grow old together?’ And I said, ‘I already am old’.”

He also joked about the unusual family dynamic it created. On meeting Luciana’s father — who is younger than him — Duvall quipped that he was unsure whether to call him “father or son”.

The couple first began dating in 1996 and went on to marry in 2005. Over the years, they regularly appeared together at red carpet events, with Duvall often speaking publicly about the importance of Luciana in his life.

Like her late husband, Luciana has a background in the entertainment industry.

After they began dating, the couple worked together on several films, with Luciana appearing in projects including Assassination Tango, Wild Horses and This Is Your Life. She also directed and starred in Portrait of Billy Joe.

Speaking to The Argentina Independent, Duvall explained how Luciana ended up acting in his films shortly after they met. He said: “[Francis Ford] Coppola wanted to know why she hadn’t acted before.

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Acting students stop her on the street and say, ‘My acting teachers said I should go see you to study acting, see what you did in that movie.’ ”

In July 2021, Duvall reflected on his personal life while speaking to PEOPLE as he approached his 90th birthday. Asked what he loved most about reaching the milestone, he pointed directly to his wife.

“I don’t know if I love any of it, but day to day with my wonderful wife,” Duvall said. “She takes care of me.”

Following his death, Luciana confirmed the news in a Facebook post on February 16.

She wrote: “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, surrounded by love and comfort.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”