Robert Duvall Quotes

Powerful Robert Duvall for Daily Growth

About Robert Duvall

Robert Duke Duvall, born on January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, renowned for his versatile performances spanning over six decades. Known as one of the greatest actors of all time, Duvall's career has been marked by a strong commitment to character-driven roles and a distinctive southern drawl that has become synonymous with his screen presence. Raised in Texas, Duvall served in the U.S. Marine Corps before moving to New York City to pursue an acting career. He made his film debut in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) and gained early recognition for his portrayal of Boo Radley's neighbor, Jerry 'Boon' Finch. However, it was his role as Tom Hagen, the adopted son of Vito Corleone, in "The Godfather" (1972) that catapulted him to stardom. Throughout his career, Duvall has been recognized with numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in "Tender Mercies" (1983) and "The Apostle" (1997), both of which he also directed. Other notable works include "M*A*S*H" (1970), "Network" (1976), "Apocalypse Now" (1979), and "Lonesome Dove" (1989). Duvall's acting style is characterized by his ability to embody complex, often flawed characters with authenticity and depth. His influence on American cinema is profound, inspiring a generation of actors with his commitment to method acting and his dedication to the craft of storytelling through film. Today, Robert Duvall continues to act and direct, leaving an indelible mark on the history of American cinema.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a good acting performance is in the listening."

The quote by Robert Duvall emphasizes the importance of active, attentive listening in delivering a compelling acting performance. By listening intently to other actors, characters, or even the environment, an actor can authentically react, emote, and build a convincing relationship with their scene partner. This deep, focused listening fuels realistic dialogue, fosters empathy, and creates dynamic, engaging performances. Effective listening in acting mirrors the fundamental importance of active listening in life – understanding others to foster connection, collaboration, and growth.


"Acting is not about being seen, it's about seeing."

Robert Duvall's quote "Acting is not about being seen, it's about seeing" emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in the art of acting. It suggests that an actor's role goes beyond simply appearing on stage or screen; rather, they should deeply immerse themselves in the character they are portraying to truly understand their motivations, emotions, and experiences. By doing so, actors bring authenticity and depth to their performances, making them more impactful for audiences. Essentially, Duvall is saying that being a good actor involves seeing the world from another's perspective and using that insight to deliver a convincing portrayal.


"You don't know what you know until you get out there and do it."

This quote by Robert Duvall emphasizes the importance of experience in gaining knowledge. It suggests that theoretical understanding is limited without practical application. Essentially, one can only truly comprehend something when they actively engage with it or take action to test their understanding. This is particularly relevant in learning processes, where hands-on experience can provide valuable insights that textbooks may not offer.


"I just wanted to be an actor; I never wanted to be a star."

This quote reflects Robert Duvall's desire for artistic fulfillment over fame or public adoration. As an actor, he sought to immerse himself in his craft, bringing characters to life on screen, rather than seeking the spotlight and celebrity status that often accompanies stardom. It suggests a focus on authenticity, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence in one's chosen field.


"The more you concentrate on yourself, the more you forget about your character, and that's when it all falls apart."

This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining self-awareness while focusing on one's character, rather than becoming overly preoccupied with oneself. When individuals prioritize their own interests excessively, they risk neglecting the development and maintenance of their moral, emotional, and ethical qualities that define their characters. By doing so, they run the risk of compromising their relationships, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction as these traits often provide a foundation for strong connections and personal fulfillment. In essence, Robert Duvall suggests that an excessive focus on oneself can lead to character deterioration, ultimately causing negative consequences in one's life.


Spending two years on my uncle's ranch in Montana as a young man gave me the wisdom and the thrust to do westerns.

- Robert Duvall

Young, Uncle, Two, Ranch

What people don't understand about Sarah Palin is that she is a rancher's wife. From Alberta down to Texas I've known women like that: good common sense, bright and vilified by city people.

- Robert Duvall

City, Bright, About, Sarah

To this day, I still think Lonesome Dove is my best part.

- Robert Duvall

Think, Dove, Still, Lonesome

Sometimes you don't prepare much. I mean, when I did 'Lonesome Dove' way back I rode horses day and night for like three or four months, and that got me ready for that.

- Robert Duvall

Sometimes, Prepare, Back, Lonesome

I was fortunate in the last century to be in the two biggest hits film-wise, 'Godfather I' and 'Godfather II,' and 'Lonesome Dove.'

- Robert Duvall

Two, Fortunate, Last, Lonesome

As long as they keep offering me some good parts and so forth - there are some parts out there that fit me pretty well - I'll keep going for a while.

- Robert Duvall

Some, Pretty, Going, Good Parts

I always considered myself as a character actor. I always try to be versatile to show different sides of human experience.

- Robert Duvall

Myself, Always, Considered, Versatile

We all have a cradle-to-the-grave journey to make and, in between, what do you do? There's got to be something hereafter.

- Robert Duvall

Journey, Got, Make, Hereafter

I love going to black churches, and I love some of these black preachers. The best preacher I ever saw in my life was a 93-year-old in a black church in Hamilton, Virginia. What a preacher!

- Robert Duvall

Love, My Life, Some, Churches

One thing I like about Argentina, they only cook with salt; that's it.

- Robert Duvall

Salt, Cook, Like, Argentina

I'll keep on acting 'til they wipe the drool. I like the business. I like to do different parts and diverse characters. I haven't lost my enthusiasm yet!

- Robert Duvall

Business, Like, Wipe, Drool

I am getting some good offers still. Some nice things are coming my way just as they always have, so unless I lose my inspiration or there is too much drool to wipe, I will keep going.

- Robert Duvall

Good, Inspiration, Some, Drool

Hollywood is still the mecca for good or bad, but it isn't the beginning or end for filmmaking.

- Robert Duvall

Bad, Hollywood, Still, Mecca

Look, Hollywood's a mecca, but it's not the final answer. You pick up a camera anyplace in the world, you can make a movie.

- Robert Duvall

Hollywood, Movie, Mecca

Hollywood's a mecca, but it's not the final answer. You pick up a camera anyplace in the world, you can make a movie.

- Robert Duvall

Hollywood, Movie, Mecca

I like the good feeling movies.

- Robert Duvall

Movies, Feeling, Like, Good Feeling

The money part is one of the most difficult things. Coppola always said I should do a tango movie. If it hadn't been for him, I don't know where we would have gotten the money.

- Robert Duvall

Movie, Always, Been, Coppola

But I think there are more good young actors now than ever. It's a medium that everyone wants to be connected with - it is such a hip medium going into the 21st century.

- Robert Duvall

Think, Young, I Think, Young Actors

I think there are more good young actors now than ever. It's a medium that everyone wants to be connected with - it is such a hip medium going into the 21st century.

- Robert Duvall

Think, Young, I Think, Young Actors

A young actor once asked me, What do you do between jobs? I said, Hobbies, hobbies, and more hobbies.

- Robert Duvall

Young, More, Jobs, Young Actor

I don't have many people showing up at my door. Very few people come out. When they do, I get a little suspicious. I live way up on a hill, way, way back in the country.

- Robert Duvall

Door, Country, Very, Showing Up

High Noon is a pretty corny movie.

- Robert Duvall

Pretty, Movie, High, Noon

Stripping away artifice - it's the constant standard I aim for in acting, to approximate life. People talk about being bigger than life - but there's nothing bigger than life.

- Robert Duvall

Away, Constant, Standard, Approximate

I always thought of myself as a later bloomer, so I like some of my work more later than earlier.

- Robert Duvall

Thought, Some, Always, Bloomer

Too many people think that economics is this subject that should wait until the university level. But it can't wait that long.

- Robert Duvall

Think, Wait, Level, Too Many People

God does guide the lives of individuals and does fill them with the Holy Ghost.

- Robert Duvall

Ghost, Holy, Lives, Holy Ghost

It's a cyclical thing. When they make one, everyone loves them. Different genres come around in succession. People always welcome the western. It's America's genre.

- Robert Duvall

Succession, Always, Everyone, Different Genres

My uncle always said that I could have been a rancher.

- Robert Duvall

Always, Been, Could, Rancher

You know, Hollywood sometimes tends to patronize the interior of the United States. As Horton Foote used to say, the great Texas playwright, that a lot of people from New York don't know what goes on beyond the South Jersey Shore.

- Robert Duvall

Hollywood, United, South, Patronize

Hollywood sometimes tends to patronize the interior of the United States. As Horton Foote used to say, the great Texas playwright, that a lot of people from New York don't know what goes on beyond the South Jersey Shore.

- Robert Duvall

Hollywood, United, South, Patronize

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