"I Just Follow The Script" - Robert Duvall On His Acting Process

[@Kelsey.E]

I love and appreciate how respectful Stephen is of his elders. It comes across on screen with sincerity. Older generations deserve our humility.

[@stan4now]

Stephen has helped me and most of us know and love people he loves, whom we'd never know if not for him. But for those we do know and love, I can appreciate Stephen even more. He's a national treasure. His wife Evie has a lot to do with that.

[@JiveDadson]

Remember that when I comment.

[@s0ppel637]

Beautiful conversation with one of the greatest. Imagine this being done in the studio. It would have been a mess and a disgrace. Duvall knows what he is doing by inviting Colbert to his ranch. I like to think of it as him sending a message. "I talk, you listen. You talk, I listen."

[@jamilahana1728]

I will never forget him as Boo Radley in to "Kill a Mockingbird" . Endearing, and tragic. Thank you for the memory. 🙏💖🌹

[@Oz1111]

He just showed the best part of being old, not giving a shit of what others want or think... What a legend

[@gA-er9hv]

You can do it even when you are younger. I haven't been given a shit since I was 8

[@jcdemp7513]

@@gA-er9hv lol

[@stan4now]

Seems he was always like that. His love of country music has a lot to do with it. Reminds me of others like him. Nothing pretentious or uppity. Just being himself, as we all need to be in our own way. He knows who gives a shit. "See that cloud, up in the sky. . .slowly, drifting by." He doesn't get half the credit preserving country music as it was.

[@Lexwell_Lavers]

I'm doing this interview, this appearance because I don't give a shit what other people think? Entertainers, liars to the core about things like this.

[@lolbored801]

He has been one of my favorite actors ever since I was a kid.

[@bdrobe2]

I’ll watch any movie with Robert Duvall in the cast. His role as Gus in Lonesome Dove is a master class in acting. One hell of a performance.

[@dougshowalter4645]

Robert Duval is absolutely is the best in everything he does. I would watch a movie just to watch him in it.

[@mymatemartin]

One of my all time favourite actors. What an enormous contribution Duval has made to cinema. Always thought he'd be great playing Rudy Giuliani in The Don Father.

[@stan4now]

He might. Probably need to keep the barf bag handy. I would, anyway.

[@ianpatrick3589]

My favourite film is Open Range. Duvall is the anchor of that story. So believable.

[@Luke7304]

Bluebonnet

[@A0A4ful]

Open Range is one the few 'authentic Westerns'.

[@22Phantasm]

Good choice, Ian. I would also recommend Get Low with Bill Murray. Robert and Bill are wonderful together.

[@judithvilla4007]

He is also the best in “Crazy Heart.” The little song at the end is a perfect scene. What a huge talent and a a charismatic man he is. He sure knows how to pick the movies that are worth watching when they come out.

[@jphzzzz]

What a great interviewer Stephen Colbert is! He respectfully questions, then shuts up and listens for the answer. It's not about Stephen, it's about the guest.

[@jomac2046]

Gus in Lonesome Dove, one of his best without a doubt.

[@russellsutton6060]

Gus (Augustus)

[@jomac2046]

@@russellsutton6060 Guy, where did that come from...thanks.

[@ladybug4207]

We don't rent pigs

[@SoulAbundanceIQ]

@@ladybug4207 I told you Woodrow, it's Latin. It's a motto, it just says itself.

[@MoosieBerry]

Sonny in The Apostle

[@banba317]

Duval's greatest role IMHO was Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove. Just a magnificent performance; he put his own great sense of humor into McCrae.

[@sandybear61]

"Loreena, darlin'" I can hear him say that in my head to this day.

[@banba317]

@@sandybear61 Yes, when he was writing his last letters... a favorite line indeed... And when he reads Call's epitaph for Deets I can't watch that without crying "... cheerful in all weather; never shirked a task; splendid behavior..." It's a western but one of the greatest love stories ever written!

[@SoulAbundanceIQ]

Lonesome Dove is my favorite movie of all time, and Agustus is one of the most iconic charactersof all time imo. When I was young I thought the movie ended at the scene where Gus and Pea chase the Buffalo because my mom couldn't stand to watch him die and always turned it off.

[@Sven_E07]

@@SoulAbundanceIQ Funny story 😆

[@Echiya]

Secondhand Lions is a gem of a film overlooked of Duvall's and Caine that should have earned all kinds of awards Some of the most satisfying 2 hours of movie watching. Thanks Mr. D for all these years of fantastic.

[@TheMonroemomma]

EXCELLENT interview!! Stephen is a brilliant host--inquisitive and specific, but respectful and generous.

[@laalaa99stl]

Wow what a "get!" Thanks for giving us this interview while he's still with us!

[@SharaBinghamMills]

Love love love you Mr Duvall. Thank you for entertaining us for so many years.

[@WaitingtoHit]

Get Low is an underrated Duvall film. Check it out when you have the chance.

[@dee_dee_place]

My favorite Robert Duvall role was- Boo Radley from "To Kill A Mockingbird".

[@matthewferguson9687]

Robert Duvall is the best Actor off all time... if he is in a movie. I am glued to the screen in the first 5 minutes

[@frankmacleod2565]

Ive been a huge fan of Mr. Duvall pretty much my whole life. SO many movies, this man is a living legend. Great to see him doing so well.

[@playstationRockss]

Beautiful interview for a massive legend.

[@fredrickmillstead6397]

Greatest actor of our generation.

[@Section5_CdnIntelService]

True Grit, Lonesome Dove and Open Range.

[@sopo1670]

I love Bobby Duvall. What a great actor.

[@TheNinnyfee]

The energy in the scene between Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen is just iconic. That little knowing twinkle in the eye says more than most films with overlength.

[@eatmoremusic3650]

ahhhh Stephen was in Middleburg! just down the road from me

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Popular Opinion: Every single one of ya'll agrees that Rob Duvall made our day better:

[@glooperscooper]

False

[@ericminch]

y'all

[@Susan-up2wv]

If you're a Robert Duvall fan, and you've never seen "Tomorrow," find it, and watch it. It's based on a William Faulkner short story, and is one of Duvall's greatest performances, and one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@BellaWorldAni]

Robert Duvall is one of the greatest actors of all time. Can't believe he's 90! My favorite Duvall movie is The Apostle. If you haven't seen it, go watch it now! Just an incredible performance!!

[@MoosieBerry]

I agree

[@johnmesser3278]

All of his work is amazing. My Honest Favorite movie with him is Second Hand Lions.

[@MegaKat]

The scene with the plane upsidedown in the barn never ceases to get a good laugh out of me

[@StevClifSylv]

One of the greatest American film actors, even at this point in his life. I especially loved watching him in The Judge. Bravo 👏

[@thunderousapplause]

I have degrees in theatre, all the union memberships, have made my living as an actor. here is what acting is: listen, respond, tell the truth (the character tells their truth, even when the character is lying).

[@nonamegame9857]

Talk about time travel. I just watched Robert Duvall, a very young Robert Duvall yesterday as a German medic in world war II on the TV series combat. He was amazing even then and this would have been around 1965.

[@GenoLoma]

What a brilliant man.

[@bluemalibu]

Robert Duvall...he's on my favorite actor's list. If he's in a movie, I watch it. Very cool guy!

[@bregancool980]

Such a brilliant actor!

[@katemccoy8658]

Amazing actor. Omg he doesn't look 90. Amazingly humble man.

[@gA-er9hv]

He had work done on his face

[@stan4now]

It's his life spirit and outlook on life. He loves characters as we do. It can bring out the best in us and keep the worst at bay.

[@j_a_n_i_c.]

Loved his sensitive portrayal of Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird.❤️

[@NoUploadJustComment]

He looks the same as he always has. Shocked to hear he's 90.

[@mrpearson1230]

He looks 70. He was 55 when I was born. Crazy!

[@SKinSKorea]

Right! Seems to be healthy and grounded!

[@lapicante]

I'll take some of whatever elixir he's having!

[@hippydippy]

No Kidding! Me too. 90? Wow!

[@cici7333]

Just beautiful! Thank you.

[@christopherhan3347]

Remarkable man. His biggest secret is the power of his acting. He makes it look easy. He just follows the script indeed. I don't think so.

[@rppvt]

I met Duvall at a screening where I mentioned Horton Foote and he just lit up. Mr. Foote was equally gracious when I asked permission to direct one of his plays. Both Inspirational icons. Bless them.

[@stan4now]

Many Blessings for keeping their spirit going. Reminds me of John Steinbeck when he met a travelling actor who played only John Barrymore scenes from his portrayal of Hamlet because they were powerful and meaningful to him and others.

[@gwen3010]

One of my favorites!!! Thank you.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

90 years old?! You look fantastic, Mr. Duvall! One of my very favourite actors and people. So glad to see you still working.

[@cbjfan44]

He lives near me. He is down to earth.

[@mikecart2494]

Same. Used to see him at Wegmans all the time.

[@michaelscot4816]

Best interviewer ever. Great actor. Can't go wrong. 💜

[@stan4now]

Brings us close to life and other human beings, sometimes not even saying a word, just a facial expression.

[@ScienceFan1859]

Imagine if Fallon did interview? *cringe…..Duvall wouldn’t do that…lol

[@b.r.buchanan]

Absolutely love this. Robert Duvall is a legend. Its amazing to see Stephen Colbert do In-person interview again!

[@Pitashri101]

Conversation is an art n its beautiful to listen n keeping it balanced.

[@stan4now]

LIke playing catch. You can make it fun and invigorating, or you can play hardball and make enemies.

[@DungeonStudio]

Two of his unsung performances to me are in THX-1138 and Stalin. The man has played EVERYONE - past, present, and future!

[@vanessaheine8093]

I love love love Robert Duvall. Tom Hagen is the best character in The Godfather IMO.

[@radawson1018]

Phenom, who always had a way of telling us his truth through his character. Wishing him sweet and tender mercies on his 360 acres! 🌿💐🌳💚

[@suzannelemay3405]

To kill a mockingbird bird is still my favorite movie of Robert Duvall, it's where I understood just how special he was, then my psyche was especially attuned to the next and next time I would see his name involved with a movie or project!! He deserves the highest honors!!

[@recklessroges]

People that have natural talent make the worst teachers because they can't explain how they do what they do. Robert Duvall is a natural and listening to him talk about his craft reminds me of Miyamoto Musashi talking about sword fighting.

[@alalalala57]

"Just do it" -_-

[@johnpappas5413]

You're right. Those who can't teach.

[@Lorangebeatrice]

This man has got some excellent telomerase production.

[@marydonohoe8200]

Listening is a huge part of acting, as in singing. Thank you, Mr Duvall, for your wonderful performances over the years, and especially my favorite, Augustus McCall of Lonesome Dove.

[@NewMessage]

Lookin' pretty good for 90. I'd say 'I hope I look that good when....', but I'm not sure I look that good now.

[@totalt6600]

1st thing I said. 90?!

[@stan4now]

Just don't let it or anything get you down. I grew up among the salt of the earth, all the sweat they poured out. Character becomes you. It's why Mr. Duvall likes characters.

[@robvangessel3766]

A bit of frivolous geek trivia, Duvall's vast talents were on clear display from his earliest days doing tv. There is a dynamite 2-part episode he did on the original Outer Limits, called The Inheritors. Every gesture and tone brilliantly naturalistic, playiing a methodical gov't official investigating 4 soldiers who had been shot in the head by bullets made from the fragment ore of a meteorite which enhance their IQs to a higher intelligence, which may or may not pose a threat to the world. A few years later he went on to play Tom Hagen in The Godfather.

[@AFULLERROOFLIFE]

DUDE!! SUCH A GREAT INTERVIEW! MAN!! I miss seeing this guy on the BIG SCREEN!! Legend. Back when movies were actually worth seeing !

[@willpascarella4509]

Thank you for the great interview 🙏

[@nikobatallones]

Wow, an over-the-shoulder shot! I never thought I'd see these in talk shows again!

[@jonbus766]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqu5oolmfbqJp5Y

[@daniel.j9062]

For a living Legend Duval is ageless and timeless ✨💫

[@stellashepherd3229]

I loved him as Doc in Phenomenon.

[@elenalatici9568]

He used to drop in on my acting class. Once he came in and screened his film "We're Not the Jet Set." He was so brilliant in Lonesome Dove. Brilliant in everything, but Lonesome Dove was off the charts.

[@stan4now]

He has a connection with nature, sun and moon, earth and sky, and fishing. And singing and playing.

[@Fiawordweaver]

I watched 2nd hand Lions a 100 times. That is my fav!

[@joshkidd2075]

Duvall is the best actor, so convincing and real. His Boo Radley, even though he said nothing, is so moving. Gus in Lonesome Dove is iconic. My favorite film was Apostle, he played an preacher who couldn't be defeated, his faith was unwavering.

[@vc6200]

What a great Actor 🥰

[@Bloufo]

"I talk, you listen. You talk, I listen. That's what it boils down to. Try not to play the result."

[@ktpinnacle]

I recall Tom Cruise saying that when he heard that they had signed Duvall for Jack Reacher that he knew the film was going to be taken to another level. He was right. Duvall does that in every film.

[@stan4now]

True to the core, leaving you wanting more, that's Robert Duvall.

[@petergiaschi6697]

Truly great actor.

[@davidt9238]

Love Robert Duvall. What a talent.

[@robertduvall5648]

I really appreciate you all thanks for been a fan!

[@mechanicaldavid4827]

Talking about acting seems a world away from what an effective performance brings out.

[@lS-qp6zq]

Follows the script, and such greatness of written literature those were.

[@Popcorncedar]

Lonesome Dove. The best.

[@RobDavisProductions]

As usual an insightful interview from Stephen. One criticism though, is adding a laughter track necessary ?

[@lyon7632]

Lonesome Dove is one of the greatest films of all time. It was filmed about 10 miles from my house in Montana. Most of the area has a story about doing something to help out with the film. My grandpa and us kids brought firewood for the set and helped kill rattlesnakes. I love Robert Duvall. He is an amazing guy.

[@geoffreyfeinberg9792]

He's a legend. Hard to believe he's 90.

[@Hollins23]

LOL! I love it! "I just follow the script!"

[@questionablehistorian9335]

One of my favorite movies is "The Judge". I loved his performance.

[@MB5rider81]

What a cool dude.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Ridiculously amazing actor.😊👍🏾👍🏾

[@julianbussells]

I live about 15 minutes from his farm. Beautiful place

[@laurac.b.devlin8605]

he was great in the apostle

[@marymenatti9175]

Remember True Grit? “I call that bold talk for a one eyed fat man.”

[@davidbrentwood1070]

Epic line

[@sealyoness]

Oh, yes! The fun days.

[@SoulAbundanceIQ]

Yes! So good!!

[@Alan-gi2ku]

He looks and sounds great.I enjoyed many of his movies.

[@heathermcnally2576]

Second Hand Lion, Something to talk about. Loved him in all his moves but these are my favourites!

[@jaywilson4520]

"I talk, you listen. You talk, I listen. You try not to play the result." Amazingly-worded insight.

[@Darbysmommy]

That was just beautiful

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Used to drink w him in a bar when he lived Santa Fe. 😍

[@stan4now]

Nothin' pretentious or uppity. Pretty down to earth.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

@@stan4now yes. Always let him be down at the end of the bar sipping. He also danced tango as I remember.

[@susannortham11.11]

My favorite Duvall film is "Tomorrow" in which he played Jackson Fentry.

[@stan4now]

Even if Faulkner hadn't written this, Mr. Duvall would've still played it, bringing people to life.

[@Susan-up2wv]

I just came on here and said the same! The first time I saw that film I thought my heart would break. I saw it again recently. It's still wonderful.

[@jacovawernett3077]

Blessings to all of you. My yoga teacher was Coppola's assistant on Apocalypse Now. She married one of the Bottoms brothers. L'chaim from Jacoba born March 11...in a Bethlehem. She married Sam Bottoms. Alot of crazy stories from that shoot.

[@joanbennettnyc]

SO GOOD!

[@Javdoc]

Great actor, has some amazing performances to his credit. Looking good for 90 too.

[@gedmac1103]

Stephen, the man has lived out of a suitcase for more years than is healthy . . . . . . . . . . great interview.

[@rickdeckardbladerunner2049]

I loved his acting in Days of Thunder! The late Tony Scott turned that film into a masterpiece. They started filming Days of Thunder without a finished script.

[@mr.nobody9697]

"I just follow the script" So says a master of his craft.

[@spookmineer]

I can't believe he's 90... He looks way younger than that.

[@jackg5094]

Don't forget "The Great Santini".

[@snuugumz]

My personal favourite.