Shares birthday with Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) co-star Vinnie Jones

Received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia in 1998.

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).

Hosted a fundraiser for Rudolph W. Giuliani at his Hollywood home in January 2008.

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.

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.

He publicly criticized director Steven Spielberg for flying to Cuba in October 2002, and vowed never to work for Dreamworks studio again.

Was considered for the role of "Brody" in the original Jaws (1975) film.

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).

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.

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.

Played aliens in episodes of both "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" (1964) and "The Outer Limits" (1963). The title of the latter episode, ironically enough, was "The Chameleon".

His performance as Mac Sledge in "Tender Mercies" (1983) is ranked #14 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).

He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2005.

Ex-brother-in-law of John Savage and Jim Youngs.

Born to William Howard Duvall, an U.S. Navy admiral, and his wife Mildred Virginia Hart, an amateur actress.

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).

Narrated a video supporting John McCain for the Republican National Convention in 2008.

Travels to Argentina at least five times a year and has a home there.

Put up $5 million of his own money to finance The Apostle after it was rejected by numerous studios.

Hosted a fundraiser for Rudolph W. Giuliani at his Hollywood home in January 2008. He later endorsed Senator John McCain after Guiliani dropped out.

He publicly criticized director Steven Spielberg for flying to Cuba in October 2002, and vowed never to work for Dreamworks studio again. 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.

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".

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.

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.

Fractured several ribs in April 2002 after falling off a horse while rehearsing for role in Open Range (2003).

Studied acting with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York.

Lived with Luciana Pedraza for seven years before marrying her in 2004. She is 42 years younger than him.