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Thornton: Duvall's Dry Wit and Gruff Love
20 Feb
Summary
- Duvall was a surrogate father, offering rare approval to Thornton.
- Thornton shared humorous anecdotes about Duvall's unfiltered honesty.
- Duvall's influence is seen in Thornton's acting, from "Sling Blade" to "The Judge".
Billy Bob Thornton deeply mourned the loss of Robert Duvall, viewing him as a surrogate father who provided a rare sense of approval. Thornton shared personal stories highlighting Duvall's sharp, often cutting, wit and his unconventional way of showing affection.
Duvall's impact on Thornton began with his haunting portrayal of Boo Radley, influencing Thornton's own character in "Sling Blade." Thornton recalled Duvall's no-filter approach to life and filmmaking, often telling truths bluntly.
The two actors developed a close relationship in the 1980s, sharing an agent and a similar path into acting. Thornton reminisced about collaborating on films like "A Family Thing" and "Sling Blade," where Duvall's presence was a significant mentor.
Thornton learned invaluable lessons from Duvall, particularly about authentic performance and improvisational acting. He highlighted Duvall's preference for unscripted moments and embracing the 'feel' of a scene, a philosophy Thornton adopted.
Despite their close bond, Duvall never directly acknowledged a heartfelt letter Thornton wrote him, though Thornton believed he understood the sentiment. Their shared experiences, including a passion for steak and barbecue, forged a unique connection that lasted decades.
