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.
Lived with Luciana Pedraza for seven years before marrying her in 2004. She is 41 years younger than him.
Named My Life as a Dog (1985) as one of his favorite movies.
Narrated a video supporting John McCain for the Republican National Convention in 2008.
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.
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)).
Put up $5 million of his own money to finance The Apostle after it was rejected by numerous studios.
Received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia in 1998.
Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [18 September 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.
Studied acting with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York.
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).
Travels to Argentina at least five times a year and has a home there.
Was considered for the role of "Brody" in the original Jaws (1975) film.
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).
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.
Watched "Broken Trail" (2006) with President George W. Bush in a special screening at the White House. (11 June 2006).
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.