Background
Robert Duvall was born on January 5, 1931 in San Diego, California, United States. He is a son of Mildred Virginia (née Hart) and William Howard Duvall. He also has two brothers. Duvall grew up primarily in Annapolis, Maryland.
209
Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Bill Cobbs in Get Low.
1962
Robert Duvall in To Kill a Mockingbird.
1966
Robert Duvall in The Chase.
1969
Robert Duvall, James Caan, and Marya Zimmet in The Rain People.
1971
Robert Duvall and Maggie McOmie in THX 1138.
1972
Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and James Caan in The Godfather.
1972
Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, James Caan, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Julie Gregg, Morgana King, Tere Livrano, and Gianni Russo in The Godfather.
1974
Robert Duvall and Michael V. Gazzo in The Godfather: Part II.
1976
Robert Duvall in The Eagle Has Landed.
1976
Robert Duvall in The Eagle Has Landed.
1979
Robert Duvall and Sam Bottoms in Apocalypse Now.
1984
Robert Duvall with Academy Award.
1989
Diane Lane and Robert Duvall in Lonesome Dove.
1989
Robert Duvall and Ricky Schroder in Lonesome Dove.
1990
Robert Duvall in The Handmaid's Tale.
1993
Robert Duvall in Geronimo: An American Legend.
1994
Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, and Randy Quaid in The Paper.
1998
Robert Duvall, Mary McCormack, and Ron Eldard in Deep Impact.
2000
Nicolas Cage, Robert Duvall, and Will Patton in Gone in Sixty Seconds.
2003
Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall in Open Range.
2003
Robert Duvall in Gods and Generals.
2003
Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osment in Secondhand Lions.
2007
Robert Duvall in Lucky You.
2008
Robert Duvall and Reese Witherspoon in Four Christmases.
2009
Robert Duvall and Lucas Black in Get Low.
2011
Robert Duvall in Seven Days in Utopia.
2011
Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Melissa Leo in Seven Days in Utopia.
2012
Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton in Jayne Mansfield's Car.
2012
Robert Duvall and John Hurt in Jayne Mansfield's Car.
2012
Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall in Jack Reacher.
2012
Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton in Jayne Mansfield's Car.
2014
Robert Duvall in The Judge.
2014
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall in The Judge.
2014
Robert Duvall with Hollywood Film Award.
2015
Robert Duvall, Josh Hartnett, and James Franco in Wild Horses.
201 Water St, Severna Park, MD 21146, United States
Severn School where Robert Duvall studied.
One Front Gate Rd, Elsah, IL 62028, United States
Principia College where Robert Duvall received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
340 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre where Robert Duvall studied.
665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Robert Duvall poses in the press room at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Robert Duvall during 41st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards that Robert Duvall received in 1979.
The Screen Actors Guild Award that Robert Duvall received in 1998.
The National Medal of Arts that Robert Duvall received in 2008.
Robert Duvall's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5, Canada
Robert Duvall attends the "Widows" premiere during 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada.
Duvall with future wife Luciana Pedraza shaking hands with a member of "The Black Stallions" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four at the Taormina Film Fest in Sicily in June 2003.
80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3, Canada
Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez and Daniel Kaluuya of 'Widows" attend The IMDb Studio presented By Land Rover At The 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at Bisha Hotel & Residences on September 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada.
Robert Duvall, actor and director, during an interview with host Seth Meyers on June 2, 2015
713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Robert Duvall, Luciana Duvall and Josh Hartnett pose on the red carpet before the screening of "Wild Horses" at the Paramount Theatre during the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 17, 2015 in Austin, Texas.
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Luciana Pedraza and actor Robert Duvall attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4, Canada
Actors Robert Duvall, Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee speak onstage at the "The Road" press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel on September 13, 2009 in Toronto, Canada.
Robert Duvall, Shirley Maclaine, Linda Hunt, and Jack Nicholson , who were all winners at the 1983 Oscars.
Robert Duvall attends Variety's Creative Impact Awards and "10 Directors To Watch" brunch presented by Mercedes Benz at Parker Palm Springs on January 4, 2015 in Palm Springs, California.
641 Lexington Ave #1510, New York, NY 10022, United States
Robert Duvall and guests during Tears for Fears Party – March 26, 1986 at The China Club in New York City, New York, United States.
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall attend day 2 of the Variety Studio presented by Moroccanoil at Holt Renfrew during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2014 in Toronto, Canada.
(In the Depression era, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, sets out ...)
In the Depression era, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, sets out to defend a black man, who is accused of raping a white woman. Meanwhile, his children, Scout and Jem, spy on their reclusive neighbour.
https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Collectors-Gregory-Peck/dp/0783225857
1962
(Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) is aiming to take...)
Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) is aiming to take down mob boss Pete Ross (Vic Tayback) with the help of testimony from the criminal's hothead brother Johnny (Pat Renella), who is in protective custody in San Francisco under the watch of police lieutenant Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen). When a pair of mob hitmen enter the scene, Bullitt follows their trail through a maze of complications and double-crosses. This thriller includes one of the most famous car chases ever filmed.
https://www.amazon.com/Bullitt-Steve-McQueen/dp/B00407PNY2
1968
(After hired hand Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey) murders the fath...)
After hired hand Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey) murders the father of 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Kim Darby), she seeks vengeance and hires U.S. Marshal "Rooster" Cogburn (John Wayne), a man of "true grit," to track Chaney into Indian territory. As the two begin their pursuit, a Texas Ranger, La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), joins the manhunt in hopes of capturing Chaney for the murder of a Texas senator and collecting a substantial reward. The three clash on their quest of bringing to justice the same man.
https://www.amazon.com/True-Grit-John-Wayne/dp/B06XGX1FKS
1969
(THX 1138, LUH 3417, and SEN 5241 attempt to escape from a...)
THX 1138, LUH 3417, and SEN 5241 attempt to escape from a futuristic society located beneath the surface of the Earth. The society has outlawed sex, with drugs used to control the people.
https://www.amazon.com/1138-George-Lucas-Directors-Blu-ray/dp/B001ECQ74G
1971
(In New Mexico, one-time bounty hunter Joe Kidd (Clint Eas...)
In New Mexico, one-time bounty hunter Joe Kidd (Clint Eastwood) owns a ranch where a nearby group of Mexican revolutionaries, led by Luis Chama (John Saxon), fights for their rightful land after the U.S. government denies their claims. In response, a greedy landowner (Robert Duvall) gathers a posse to capture Chama and solicits Kidd's assistance. Kidd, who has no interest in the matter, changes his mind when he discovers Chama has stolen a horse and roughed up a worker from his ranch.
https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Kidd-Import-Blu-ray/dp/B00BR1EZ3O
1972
(Michael, Vito Corleone's son, attempts to expand his fami...)
Michael, Vito Corleone's son, attempts to expand his family's crime empire. While he strikes a business deal with gangster Hyman Roth, he is unaware of the dangers he has gotten himself into.
https://www.amazon.com/Godfather-Part-II-Al-Pacino/dp/B0007YXRF4
1974
(During World War II, Nazi officer Max Radl (Robert Duvall...)
During World War II, Nazi officer Max Radl (Robert Duvall) devises a plan to kidnap or kill the British prime minister. Approved by German Cmdr. Heinrich Himmler (Donald Pleasence), the scheme moves forward with Col. Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) leading the mission, aided by Liam Devlin (Donald Sutherland), an Irishman with a deep hatred of England. As the plan unfolds, it seems to be going well – until certain events threaten the group's shot at success.
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Has-Landed-Michael-Caine/dp/B00005QCVP
1976
(Bull Meechum, a great fighter pilot, is famously known as...)
Bull Meechum, a great fighter pilot, is famously known as 'the Great Santini'. He follows strict military discipline with his family when he returns home after war.
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Santini-Robert-Duvall/dp/0790742799
1979
(In 1940s Los Angeles, Detective Tom Spellacy (Robert Duva...)
In 1940s Los Angeles, Detective Tom Spellacy (Robert Duvall) probes into the savage murder of a woman found dumped in an empty lot. At the same time, he investigates a priest found dead in a whorehouse. Spellacy's brother (Robert De Niro), a Catholic priest, is meanwhile attempting to expand his church through Jack (Charles Durning), a shady contractor. While the two police cases and the real estate deal seem a world apart, Spellacy discovers an insidious connection involving money and power.
https://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Robert-Niro/dp/B000MTFFPY
1981
(Down-on-his-luck country singer Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall...)
Down-on-his-luck country singer Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall) has nowhere to turn when he wakes up in a motel, short on cash. So he takes a job from Rosa Lee (Tess Harper), the kindly widow who runs the place. Mac begins to fall for Rosa, who helps him confront his drinking, and also finds an unexpected bond with Rosa's young son (Allan Hubbard). When the opportunity for a career comeback surfaces, Mac must choose between his new life and the life he let slip through his hands.
https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Mercies-Robert-Duvall/dp/B00005R246
1983
(From 1989: Two former Texas Rangers (Robert Duvall, Tommy...)
From 1989: Two former Texas Rangers (Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones) renew their spirit of adventure as they and several other residents of a small Texas town join a cattle drive to the Montana Territory. Based on Larry McMurtry's novel.
https://www.amazon.com/Lonesome-Dove-Robert-Duvall/dp/B0018PH3L0
1989
(Cole Trickle, a budding racer, is recruited by a big bran...)
Cole Trickle, a budding racer, is recruited by a big brand but meets with an accident. However, when he returns, he has to face an adversary who not only wants to defeat but also disable him.
https://www.amazon.com/Days-Thunder-Tom-Cruise/dp/B00000ILBL
1990
(During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the ...)
During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the domestic services of Rose (Laura Dern), a damaged woman who hopes to avoid prostitution as a way of life. While in the employ of the household, Rose begins to develop feelings for the father of the family (Robert Duvall), who must continually rebuff her unwanted sexual advances. Meanwhile, Rose also develops a relationship with the 13-year-old son, Buddy (Lukas Haas). Eventually the father begins to reach the limits of his tolerance.
https://www.amazon.com/Rambling-Rose-Laura-Dern/dp/B0000639ET
1991
(William 'D-Fens' Foster is an unemployed and divorced eng...)
William 'D-Fens' Foster is an unemployed and divorced engineer whose increasing frustration levels lead him to act out violently and commit several crimes.
https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Down-Michael-Douglas/dp/B00004S5RK
1993
(Following the death of the white woman he thought was his...)
Following the death of the white woman he thought was his mother, a shocked Earl Pilcher Jr. (Robert Duvall) learns he is half black. Shaken to the core by this revelation of decades of lies, an impassioned Pilcher travels to Chicago to find his biological family and meets Roy Murdock (James Earl Jones), his half-brother. Unfortunately, Murdock refuses to accept the aging Southerner. Desperate for a connection, the grieving Pilcher struggles to convince Murdock to open his mind.
https://www.amazon.com/Family-Thing-Robert-Duvall/dp/B000059TFN
1996
(After Sonny (Robert Duvall), an eccentric Pentecostal pre...)
After Sonny (Robert Duvall), an eccentric Pentecostal preacher, learns that his wife is having an affair, he beats her lover into a coma and flees the state of Texas. Now in a small Louisiana town, Sonny goes by the name of "Apostle E.F." and opens a new church with the help of a retired reverend (John Beasley). While battling personal demons and injecting new life into his congregation, Sonny dates a radio station worker (Miranda Richardson) and searches for peace in his new life.
https://www.amazon.com/Apostle-Robert-Duvall/dp/B00007ELF1
1997
(Memphis Raines, a former prisoner, returns to the crime w...)
Memphis Raines, a former prisoner, returns to the crime world to save Kip's life when he learns that his brother faces threat from gangster Raymond Calitri.
https://www.amazon.com/Gone-60-Seconds-Nicolas-Cage/dp/B00004Z4WR
2000
(John J. (Robert Duvall) is a seasoned hit man sent on a j...)
John J. (Robert Duvall) is a seasoned hit man sent on a job to Argentina. When the general he's sent to kill delays his return to the country, John passes the time with Manuela (Luciana Pedraza), a beautiful dancer who becomes his teacher and guide into Argentina's sensual world of the tango. Spellbound by the rich and mysterious world Manuela has shown him, his idyll is shattered when the reality of why he's there comes crashing down around him.
https://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Tango-Robert-Duvall/dp/B0000DI881
2002
(Fourteen-year-old Walter Caldwell's irresponsible mother ...)
Fourteen-year-old Walter Caldwell's irresponsible mother Mae sends him to live with his bachelor great-uncles, Hub and Garth, so that she can go on yet another husband-hunting trip.
https://www.amazon.com/Secondhand-Lions-Tim-McCanlies/dp/B0000YTP02
2003
(When much-feared hermit Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) comes ...)
When much-feared hermit Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) comes to town with a wad of cash and announces his intention to preside over his own funeral, fast-talking mortician Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) smells a big payday in the air. Frank sends his young apprentice, Buddy, to charm Felix and win Felix's business. As the day of the unusual event approaches, Buddy uncovers a long-held secret involving the hermit, a local widow (Sissy Spacek) and an Illinois preacher.
https://www.amazon.com/Get-Low-Robert-Duvall/dp/B003L20IL0
2009
(After being forced to sell his family ranch to developers...)
After being forced to sell his family ranch to developers, a financially strapped but proud senior citizen and his estranged grandson find themselves targeted by drug dealers in search of a missing money bag.
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Old-Mexico-Robert-Duvall/dp/B00IO03I6Q
2013
(When Texas Ranger Samantha Payne reopens a 15-year-old mi...)
When Texas Ranger Samantha Payne reopens a 15-year-old missing person case, she uncovers brand new evidence. She believes a wealthy ranch owner is to blame, but when she investigates, she finds her life in danger.
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Horses-Robert-Duvall/dp/B0754R38CW
2015
Robert Duvall was born on January 5, 1931 in San Diego, California, United States. He is a son of Mildred Virginia (née Hart) and William Howard Duvall. He also has two brothers. Duvall grew up primarily in Annapolis, Maryland.
Robert Duvall studied at Severn School. Later he entered Principia College and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama. He also studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, under Sanford Meisner. While studying acting, he worked as a Manhattan post office clerk.
Robert Duvall started his career as an actor in 1952, playing the role of a Pilot for a stage show, Laughter in the Stars, an adaptation of The Little Prince. He was drafted to serve the United States Army for a year from 1953 to 1954. It was during his service at the military that he acted in an amateur production of the comedy, Room Service. After relieving himself of the military duties, he returned to the Gateway Playhouse theater. He played Eddie Davis in Ronald Alexander's Time Out For Ginger, Hal Carter in William Inge's Picnic, Charles Wilder in John Willard's The Cat And The Canary, Paris in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, and John the Witchboy in William Berney and Howard Richardson's Dark of the Moon. Other than appearing at the Gateway Theatre, he also made an appearance at the Augusta Civic Theatre, McLean Theatre and Virginia and the Arena Theatre. After playing so many characters in theatre, he became a leading actor of the theatre. He made his Off-Broadway debut in 1958 playing the character of Frank Gardner in George Bernard Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession. In 1966, he made his Broadway debut as Harry Roat, Jr in Frederick Knott's Wait Until Dark.
Duvall made his debut on television for Armstrong Circle Theatre, in the episode, The Jailbreak. Ever since then, he made regular guest appearances in several television shows including, Naked City, The Untouchables, Route 66, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive and so on. His film debut came in 1962 when Duvall played the reclusive Arthur Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. In 1970 Duvall starred in the film MASH. He also appeared as the eponymous lead in George Lucas' directorial debut, THX 1138. In 1972 he starred in The Godfather where he played the character of Tom Hagen. He reprised his role for the sequel in 1974. Two years later he was seen playing a notable supporting role in the film, The Eagle Has Landed. Later he appeared in such films as The Killer Elite, Network and The Seven-Per-Cent Solution.
In 1979 Duvall played Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now and in 1980 he starred in The Great Santini. Later he starred in Tender Mercies where he played a faded country music star running a motel and filling station. Duvall wrote many of his own songs for this role. He ended the 1980s with his highly praised performance in the Emmy Award-winning TV miniseries Lonesome Dove. The decade of 1990 was the busiest year in terms of film career as he made an appearance in as many as 21 films, sometimes starring in four films in a single year. He starred in such films as Stalin, The Man Who Captured Eichmann, A Civil Action and Deep Impact. In 2002, Duvall directed Assassination Tango, in which he played a hitman who, while on an assignment, becomes interested in the tango. As a writer-director, Duvall gave himself one of his most memorable roles, that of the preacher on the run from the law in The Apostle
Robert Duvall continued his prolific acting career, appearing as Robert E. Lee in the Civil War saga Gods and Generals and as a wealthy eccentric old man who takes custody of his young nephew in Secondhand Lions. He also starred in such films as Broken Trail, We Own the Night, Four Christmases, and Crazy Heart. In 2011, he played the role of Johnny Crawford in Seven Days in Utopia. In 2014, he starred in The Judge alongside Robert Downey Jr. His later movies included the crime drama Wild Horses and Widows.
(Senator Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) is aiming to take...)
1968(When much-feared hermit Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) comes ...)
2009(After being forced to sell his family ranch to developers...)
2013(From 1989: Two former Texas Rangers (Robert Duvall, Tommy...)
1989(In New Mexico, one-time bounty hunter Joe Kidd (Clint Eas...)
1972(Fourteen-year-old Walter Caldwell's irresponsible mother ...)
2003(After Sonny (Robert Duvall), an eccentric Pentecostal pre...)
1997(During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the ...)
1991(Memphis Raines, a former prisoner, returns to the crime w...)
2000(William 'D-Fens' Foster is an unemployed and divorced eng...)
1993(Circumstances compel a former gunslinger to take up arms ...)
2003(After hired hand Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey) murders the fath...)
1969(In 1940s Los Angeles, Detective Tom Spellacy (Robert Duva...)
1981(Down-on-his-luck country singer Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall...)
1983(In the Depression era, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, sets out ...)
1962(During World War II, Nazi officer Max Radl (Robert Duvall...)
1976(THX 1138, LUH 3417, and SEN 5241 attempt to escape from a...)
1971(A veteran cowboy and his nephew save five Chinese girls f...)
2006(When Texas Ranger Samantha Payne reopens a 15-year-old mi...)
2015(Following the death of the white woman he thought was his...)
1996(Cole Trickle, a budding racer, is recruited by a big bran...)
1990(Bull Meechum, a great fighter pilot, is famously known as...)
1979(Michael, Vito Corleone's son, attempts to expand his fami...)
1974(John J. (Robert Duvall) is a seasoned hit man sent on a j...)
2002Robert Duvall was raised in the Christian Science religion and has stated that, while it is his belief, he does not attend church.
Robert Duvall's political views are variously described as libertarian or conservative. He was personally invited to Republican President George W. Bush's inauguration in 2001. Duvall also announced his support for Republican Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani in 2007. He endorsed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012. During a 2014, interview with The Daily Beast, however, Duvall revealed that he will probably become an independent, calling today's Republican Party "a mess".
Besides his work commitments and crazy schedule, he works for the Robert Duvall Children’s Fund which he founded along with his wife Pedraza for assisting families in Northern Argentina through renovations of homes, schools, and medical facilities. He is an active supporter of Pro Mujer, a nonprofit charity organization dedicated to helping Latin America's poorest women. Duvall also has been an avid supporter of historic preservation and has openly voiced his opinion against building of a Wal-Mart store to safeguard Wilderness Battlefield National Park.
Quotations:
"One guy asked me, "How can you be an actor and be a Republican?". I can vote either way. But how can you boil it down to political affiliation? All the atrocities against blacks in the South were committed by Democratic sheriffs."
"Everybody likes to win. One of the biggest disappointments was when I didn't get an Emmy for Lonesome Dove. It's political. It can be a popularity contest."
"I always considered myself as a character actor. I always try to be versatile to show different sides of human experience."
"Method acting is a way of working internally as a substitute if something isn't happening for you; if you don't need it, it's like walking on a good leg instead of using a crutch or cane."
"I got into acting because I wanted to act, not to become a star. The word 'star' is so strange, especially in this country, I think, I don't know. It has something to do with a whole scene. Like with The Great Santini, when I shook the producer's hand for the first time – before I could even sit down in the chair – he said, "They're talking about Oscars." We hadn't even started rehearsals yet. I mean, the whole industry is so geared to that – Oscars, the star system."
Those who know Robert Duvall said that he has a very mannered style of delivery and quiet but expressive voice. He brings uniqueness to everything he does. Duvall also has got a great sense of humor and mischief.
Quotes from others about the person
Kyra Sedgwick: "He always is so vivid, and so real, and so spontaneous, and that’s the thing that I love so much about him. I think really great acting happens in the moment. Sure you can plan, but then you have to be really open to the moment. Everything he does is completely spontaneous and not self-conscious."
Billy Bob Thornton: "I wasn’t someone who was going to be an actor when I was a teenager, but he was still somebody who I noticed. With most actors, I just watched a movie like any kid – I didn’t care who the actors were. But he stuck out to me. He’s been a mentor and hero to me ever since. So, if I was ever going to be an actor, that’s the kind of actor I want to be."
Robert Duvall married Barbara Benjamin in 1964, but they divorced in 1975. Later Duvall married Gail Youngs in 1982. In 1986 Duvall and Youngs divorced. Duvall's third marriage was to Sharon Brophy from 1991 to 1995.
In 1997, Robert Duvall met Luciana Pedraza and in 2005 they married. Duvall has no children.