Title: The Legacy of Robert Duvall in Hollywood: A Closer Look at the Career of Boo Radley
Robert Duvall: From Boo Radley to Hollywood Legend
Despite physically appearing in very little of the film, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall) is a major presence in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He’s the object of Scout and Jem’s obsession, as they leave him gifts and keepsakes in hopes of seeing him, and it’s known throughout Maycomb that he rarely leaves the house that he shares with his brother, Nathan Radley (the late Richard Hale). When he’s needed, though, Boo comes through: he witnesses Scout and Jem as they’re attacked by a vengeful Bob Ewell (James Anderson), the lawyer who had to go up against Atticus in court. Boo ultimately kills Bob, but saves the lives of the two children. Adhering to Boo’s wishes to remain anonymous, Atticus, the children, and the town sheriff Heck Tate (Frank Overton) agree to say that Bob’s death was an accident.
Robert Duvall: A Hollywood Icon
Duvall, as most cinephiles know, is still a major Hollywood presence to this day. As of this writing, he’s won an Oscar (for “Tender Mercies” in 1983), multiple Golden Globes, and a BAFTA Award. Duvall has appeared on the big screen, small screen, and stage in major projects like “The Godfather Part II,” the original “True Grit,” “Network,” “Widows,” and many, many more. In 2022, he played a role in the Netflix original film “The Pale Blue Eye” alongside Christian Bale and Harry Melling.