The Role Robert Duvall Loved Most — and the Stories Behind It

Legendary actor Robert Duvall, who passed away at 95, had a career filled with unforgettable characters — from his roles in The Godfather to Apocalypse Now — but there was one role he returned to again and again in conversation as his favorite: Augustus “Gus” McCrae in the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove.

In interviews and on social media in recent years, Duvall shared what made the experience so special and the stories behind the scenes that brought the Texas Ranger to life. From training horses unaccustomed to gunfire to reading Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer-winning novel in just ten days, he approached the role with dedication, humor, and a deep love of the Western genre.

Robert Duvall Describes 'Lonesome Dove' as 'One of the Highlights of My Life'

“It was a mighty role and a lot of fun to film,” Duvall said in a video posted to his Facebook page, calling Lonesome Dove “one of the highlights of my life, completely.” He spent 16 weeks shooting the miniseries, fully immersing himself in Gus McCrae’s wit, wisdom, and rugged charm.

Not every day on set went off without a hitch (or a giddy-up, in this case). According to an interview clip posted to Duvall's Facebook page, during filming, when the horses panicked at gunfire, Duvall was bucked off his mount, but he told the director, “Let’s find a positive way to play it — let’s use it.” He explained that as an actor, sometimes you have to "go with the situation as it unfolds." That approach was one of many that showed how well the actor was able to hone his craft.

His connection to the Western extended beyond the camera. In 2024, he mourned the loss of Redman, his nearly-40-year-old horse from the series, who helped him prepare for countless films. “Mighty Redman, we will miss you, friend,” he wrote.

Fans of Duvall and the miniseries often still remember Gus McCrae fondly. As Duvall reflected in a 2021 interview with USA Today, “A woman came up to me and said they watch it as a family once a year, at least. She said, ‘I would not allow my daughter’s fiancé to marry into the family until he had seen Lonesome Dove.’” When your work is a prenuptial prerequisite, you know you're making an impact.

While Duvall’s six-decade career included iconic roles across every genre, Gus McCrae captured a piece of the actor himself: rugged, witty, and deeply sentimental. To quote the gunslinging Gus himself, "I doubt it matters where you die, but it matters where you live."