Name: Robert Duvall
Date of Birth: 5 January 1931 Lived with Luciana Pedraza for seven years before marrying her in 2004. She is 41 years younger than him. Studied acting with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. Fractured several ribs in April 2002 after falling off a horse while rehearsing for role in Open Range (2003). Served in the U.S. Army (serial #52 346 646) from 19 August 1953 to 20 August 1954, achieving rank of Private First Class and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. ... Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [18 September 2003] Was roommates and good friends with Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman while all were struggling stage actors in New York before any of them struck it big. Among the three, Hoffman and Duvall were known for their ways with the women, and Duvall and Hackman were known for their short fuses, which led to numerous bar fights. The three often bonded over elaborate practical jokes. Can speak Spanish fluently. Owns a large estate in rural Virginia, where some skirmishes of the Civil War were fought (he has found shells and other artifacts on the property). Some scenes in Gods and Generals (2003) were filmed on his land. Being descended from Robert E. Lee, he can actually trace his family back to President George Washington. Washington himself had no biological children, but his wife, Martha Custis, did, and he adopted them after the death of Martha's first husband. Her son, John Custis, had a son of his own, Washington Custis, whose daughter, Mary Custis, was Robert E. Lee's wife. Interestingly, Duvall played Lee in Gods and Generals (2003), opposite Jeff Daniels, who had played Washington in The Crossing (1990). Furthermore, Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, is also descended from Robert E. Lee. Duvall starred in the adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). His favorite city is Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is an avid Tango dancer. His father was a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. Was director Robert Altman's first choice for country singer in Nashville (1975), but he used Henry Gibson instead when Duvall couldn't do it because of the scheduling. (source: Nashville commentary track). While a struggling actor, he worked at a post office as a clerk but quit after six months. He says he didn't want to be there 20 years later, still working in a post office. Played ancestor Robert E. Lee in Gods and Generals (2003), when Martin Sheen was unable to reprise the role (due to his commitment to "The West Wing" (1999)). In Gods and Generals (2003), played ancestor Robert E. Lee. The role was originally played by Martin Sheen in Gettysburg (1993). Duvall and Sheen starred together in the popular Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now (1979). Appears in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) and Tender Mercies (1983), both of which were written by Horton Foote, and both of which earned him an Oscar for "Best Screenplay". His father was of French Hugenot descent (with the family having immigrated to the U.S. in the 1700s), while his mother was of Anglo-Saxon descent, and is a direct descendant of General Robert E. Lee. Has been had a role in more American Film Institute Top 100 films (six), than any other actor. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Apocalypse Now (1979), The Godfather (1972), The Godfather: Part II (1974), MASH (1970) and Network (1976). Robert De Niro and James Stewart were each in five. Shares birthday with Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) co-star Vinnie Jones By having served in the military, he has earned the right, should he so choose, to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. That cemetery was built on land seized from the estate of Robert E. Lee, from whom he is descended. His performance as Mac Sledge in "Tender Mercies" (1983) is ranked #14 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). He publicly criticized director Steven Spielberg for flying to Cuba in October 2002, and vowed never to work for Dreamworks studio again. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2005. His performance as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in "Apocalypse Now" (1979) is ranked #59 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. A staunch, lifelong supporter of the Republican party, Duvall was personally invited to George W. Bush's inauguration as President in 2001. Duvall attended the ceremony. Is response to Duvall's criticism of his trip to Cuba, Steven Spielberg defended himself by explaining that he actually went with permission from the American government as a cultural ambassador. Was considered for the role of "Brody" in the original Jaws (1975) film. Being a soccer fan, he supports the Argentinian national side. Born to William Howard Duvall, an U.S. Navy admiral, and his wife Mildred Virginia Hart, an amateur actress. Received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia in 1998. Ex-brother-in-law of John Savage and Jim Youngs. Hosted a fundraiser for Rudolph W. Giuliani at his Hollywood home in January 2008. He later endorsed Senator John McCain after Guiliani dropped out. Put up $5 million of his own money to finance The Apostle after it was rejected by numerous studios. Travels to Argentina at least five times a year and has a home there. He says the work he is most proud of by far is his role as the former Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the 1990 TV miniseries Lonesome Dove. Has a family connection to two 2008 Presidential hopefuls. One of his ancestors, Mareen Duvall, is also an ancestor of Barack Obama. John McCain's family has been involved in the military for several generations, including an ancestor who worked with George Washington, to whom Duvall is related (by adoption). Watched Broken Trail (2006) (TV) with President George W. Bush in a special screening at the White House. (11 June 2006). Narrated a video supporting John McCain for the Republican National Convention in 2008. The middle of three brothers, his elder brother William Duvall and younger brother John Duvall both appeared as singers in his film Angelo My Love (1983). Read more Robert Duvall movies (actor)Robert Duvall movies (director)User Comments |
