Playing a leading role in the 1989 film Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall gained notoriety in Texas.
He would go on to visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 2021, where he was made an honorary board member.
“It was a great honor to be able to watch him work,” Christine Rothenbush with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum said. “Really, a true talent that came from the heart…he donated [the promo] to us. And that’s something the museum could never have been able to pay for. So we appreciated that.”
Duvall, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday in his home in Middleburg, Virginia.
In the 2021 Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum promo, Duvall said he loved his role as a retired Texas Ranger.
“When I go out in the world…people will come up to me and say, ‘Augustus McCrae, in Lonesome Dove,’ And I will say that was my favorite part ever.”
Lonesome Dove is a classic 4-part miniseries where two retired Texas Rangers sought adventure, leading a dangerous and epic cattle drive from South Texas to Montana.
Known for his versatility and countless roles in iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” Duvall will forever be honored for the impact he made on Western culture, showcased on screen in Lonesome Dove.
“We still have a lot of guests that come here because they are fans of Lonesome Dove series,” Rothenbush said. “All that Western culture that just drives the popularity of the Texas Rangers in pop culture.”
Duvall’s legacy lives on.
“As we all kind of come to terms with it and realize that he’s no longer with us, I would say, go back and watch Lonesome Dove in his honor,” Rothenbush said. “Kick up your feet, take off your cowboy hat, dust it off…and then come and see the museum.”