His views were layered, occasionally surprising, and rarely designed to please a crowd.
Years later, a story resurfaced that added a curious footnote to his legacy. After Duvall’s passing, Dan Patrick shared that during a 2016 conversation, the actor confidently predicted Donald Trump would win the presidency—at a time when most forecasts favored Hillary Clinton.
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 09: Robert Duvall attends the “Widows” press conference during 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Whether it was instinct, experience, or a read on the mood of the country, the moment stuck with Patrick and became a small but striking anecdote in the wave of tributes.
In the end, Duvall’s legacy isn’t about predictions or politics—it’s about craft. He showed up to every role with discipline, honesty, and heart, and he left behind performances that still resonate because they feel human.
IN FLIGHT – JANUARY 11: U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the members of the press aboard Air Force One on January 11, 2026 en route back to the White House from Palm Beach, Florida. The President spent the weekend at his private club Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
That’s the mark of a true storyteller: someone who makes you see a little more clearly, long after the credits roll.
What’s the first Duvall performance that stuck with you? Drop your favorite role below and let’s remember the moments that made him unforgettable.