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Robert Duvall, who played the smooth mafia lawyer in “The Godfather” and stole the show with his depiction of a surfing-crazed colonel in “Apocalypse Now,” has died at the age of 95, his wife said Monday.

His death Sunday was confirmed by his wife Luciana Duvall.

“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 wrote.

Blunt-talking, prolific and glitz-averse, Duvall won an Oscar for best actor and was nominated six other times. Over his six decades-long career, he shone in both lead and supporting roles, and eventually became a director.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall said. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.”

Duvall won his Academy Award in 1983 for playing a washed-up country singer in “Tender Mercies.”

But his most memorable characters also included the soft-spoken, loyal mob consigliere Tom Hagen in the first two installments of “The Godfather” and the maniacal Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now.”

The latter, which earned Duvall an Oscar nomination and made him a bona fide star after years playing lesser roles, sees him utter what is now one of cinema’s most famous lines.

“I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” his war-loving character — bare chested, cocky and sporting a big black cowboy hat — muses as low-flying US warplanes bomb a beachfront tree line where he wants to go surfing.

That character was originally created to be even more over the top — his name was at first supposed to be Colonel Carnage — but Duvall had it toned down, demonstrating his meticulous approach to acting.

“I did my homework,” Duvall told veteran talk show host Larry King in 2015. “I did my research.”

Duvall was sort of a late bloomer in Hollywood — he was already 31 when he delivered his breakout performance as the mysterious recluse Boo Radley in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

He would go on to play myriad roles — a bullying corporate executive in “Network” (1976), a Marine officer who treats his family like soldiers in “The Great Santini” (1979), and then his star turn in “Tender Mercies.”

Duvall often said his favorite role, however, was one he played in a 1989 TV mini-series — the grizzled, wise-cracking Texas Ranger-turned-cowboy Augustus McCrae in “Lonesome Dove,” based on the novel by Larry McMurtry.

Film critic Elaine Mancini once described Duvall as “the most technically proficient, the most versatile, and the most convincing actor on the screen in the United States.”

AFP

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Global sportswear brand Adidas has unveiled a new eight-piece apparel collection inspired by the life, legacy, and cultural influence of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley. The collection blends sports fashion with reggae heritage, celebrating Marley’s deep love for football and his lasting impact on global culture.

The limited collection features designs created for both athletes and fans, combining Adidas’ signature sportswear aesthetics with visual elements that reflect Bob Marley’s identity, philosophy, and artistic legacy. The collaboration pays tribute not only to Marley’s music but also to his passion for the game of football, which played an important role in his life beyond the stage.

Bob Marley was widely known for his love of football, often playing the sport during tours and using it as a way to connect with people across cultures and borders. For him, football was more than a game—it was a symbol of unity, peace, and togetherness, values that also defined his music and message. Adidas’ new collection draws from this powerful connection between sport and culture.

The apparel line includes a range of stylish pieces that merge performance wear with lifestyle fashion, making it suitable for both athletic use and everyday wear. Through creative design, the collection reflects reggae culture, African-Caribbean identity, and Marley’s philosophy of love, freedom, and resistance.

Fans and fashion lovers have responded positively to the collaboration, praising Adidas for honoring Bob Marley’s legacy in a respectful and creative way. Many see the collection as more than just clothing, but as a cultural tribute that connects music, sport, and heritage in a meaningful form.

The collaboration also highlights the growing trend of fashion brands partnering with cultural icons to create collections that tell deeper stories beyond style. In this case, Adidas has gone beyond branding to celebrate Marley’s influence on generations of people around the world.

Cultural analysts note that Bob Marley’s image and message continue to resonate decades after his passing because of the universal values embedded in his music. His legacy extends far beyond reggae, influencing fashion, politics, spirituality, and global culture. By linking his story with sportswear, Adidas taps into a powerful narrative of unity, resilience, and cultural pride.

The collection also reflects a broader movement in global fashion, where African and Caribbean cultural heritage is increasingly being recognized and celebrated by international brands. Such collaborations not only promote diversity but also help preserve cultural narratives in modern creative industries.

For fans of Bob Marley, the collection represents a new way to connect with his legacy through everyday fashion. For sports lovers, it offers a fusion of performance design and cultural storytelling. For Adidas, it strengthens the brand’s identity as not just a sportswear company, but a global cultural platform.

As the collection gains attention worldwide, it stands as a reminder that Bob Marley’s influence continues to shape modern culture in powerful ways. Through music, sport, and fashion, his message of unity, peace, and love continues to inspire new generations.

The Adidas x Bob Marley collection is more than a fashion line—it is a celebration of legacy, culture, and the timeless connection between sport and music.

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A couple has captured global attention after setting a new Guinness World Record for the most kisses on Valentine’s Day, turning a celebration of love into a historic achievement. The record-breaking moment, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, quickly went viral online, drawing admiration and excitement from people around the world.

The couple’s extraordinary display of affection transformed Valentine’s Day into more than just a romantic celebration. Instead, it became a symbol of dedication, endurance, and deep emotional connection. Their achievement has since been widely shared across social media platforms, with thousands of users praising the couple for turning love into a record-setting moment.

According to reports, the kissing marathon was carried out as part of Valentine’s Day celebrations, a day traditionally reserved for expressing love and appreciation between partners. What began as a romantic gesture soon turned into a globally recognized milestone, placing the couple in the history books.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the feat as “romantic,” “inspiring,” and “beautifully symbolic.” Some users highlighted the emotional side of the achievement, stating that it reflects commitment and unity rather than just physical endurance. Others viewed it as a fun and joyful way to celebrate love in a unique and unforgettable manner.

The recognition by Guinness World Records has added international significance to the moment. As the world’s most respected authority on record-breaking achievements, Guinness World Records’ acknowledgment ensures that the couple’s feat will remain officially documented as part of global record history.

Beyond the record itself, the moment has sparked broader conversations about how couples celebrate love in modern times. Valentine’s Day has evolved beyond gifts and dinners to include creative expressions of affection, symbolic gestures, and now even world records. The couple’s achievement reflects this shift, showing how love can be celebrated in bold, imaginative, and memorable ways.

Relationship experts often note that shared experiences and meaningful moments help strengthen emotional bonds between partners. In this context, the record-setting kiss marathon represents not just romance, but teamwork, patience, and mutual commitment. It highlights the idea that love is built not only through emotions but also through shared goals and experiences.

The story has also inspired other couples, with many online users expressing interest in creating unique Valentine’s traditions of their own. Some described the achievement as a reminder that love does not have to follow traditional expressions and that meaningful moments can be created in countless creative ways.

As the news continues to spread, the couple has become a symbol of modern romance—where love, creativity, and public celebration intersect. Their record-breaking Valentine’s Day moment stands as both a romantic milestone and a cultural highlight, showing how simple expressions of affection can become globally celebrated events.

In a world often dominated by negative headlines, the story offers a refreshing reminder of love, joy, and human connection. The Guinness World Record kiss marathon serves as a powerful symbol of positivity, proving that love, when celebrated boldly, can inspire people far beyond the couple at the center of the moment.

Happy Valentine's Day 🥰

Last year, Joshua Saunders set a record for the most kisses in 30 seconds by a pair with his partner, Jenny 😘 pic.twitter.com/cl79VtfRGR

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) February 14, 2026

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