entertainment
February 17, 2026
Steve McQueen on working with Robert Duvall: ‘He was the rock. He brought gravity’
Duvall was cast as politician Tom Mulligan in McQueen’s 2018 thriller Widows: ‘He was nervous. I was gobsmacked,’ the director recalls. ‘That’s a sign of a great artist’
TL;DR
- Steve McQueen was surprised to see Robert Duvall, a veteran actor, nervous on the set of 'Widows'.
- McQueen observed that Duvall's nervousness was a sign of a great artist, as he approached each role with fresh intensity.
- Duvall's presence was described as 'the rock' that brought gravity and stability to film projects.
- Anecdotes include Duvall singing from 'The King and I' after a scene and his wife feeding him lines, revealing his meticulous preparation.
- Duvall's acting approach was characterized by putting everything 'on the surface' for the film's benefit.
- His ability to conjure performances and stir emotions, as seen in 'The Apostle,' is highlighted.
- McQueen suggests Duvall's upbringing and innate skill were crucial to his impactful performances.
- Duvall's range as an actor, writer, and director, along with his self-belief, is noted as key to his artistic autonomy and a happy life.
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