Robert Duvall On Stroke Report: ‘It’s Totally False’

Photo: The Howard Stern Show

Robert Duvall called into Wednesday’s show to tell the world that he’s doing just fine despite media reports that he recently suffered a debilitating stroke. On Monday, Radar Online published an exclusive story suggesting that Bobby D’s failing health had forced him to live like a recluse for months, citing a Hollywood insider as their source.

“It was pretty insidious and it’s totally false,” Duvall told Howard, saying that he’s never once had a stroke in his life. As for who could have leaked this false information to the press, Duvall said he thinks the person, “must be a jerk.”

Howard worried that an inaccurate story like this one could jeopardize his career. “I’m on in my years so I don’t know how many [movies] I’ve got left, anyway,” Duvall said. Though he will not take legal action against Radar, he said that he could.

“There’s a terrific lawyer I know I could use to sue the shit out of these people,” Duvall said. “But I’m not going to sue anybody.”

Howard asked to speak with Duvall’s wife Luciana, who also refuted the reports her husband had had a stroke.

“He’s still grumpy as always but that’s it,” Luciana said.

Photo: The Howard Stern Show

Duvall revealed that he’s currently in Fort Worth, Texas for a fan event to commemorate the 1989 TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove.” He told Howard that he considers his role as Captain Augustus “Gus” McCrae to be his favorite performance of his career. In addition to himself, Duvall said attendees can expect appearances from other “Lonesome Dove” stars Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston, and Diane Lane.

Now 85 years old, Duvall intends to address the crowd on Thursday night and show his fans (and Radar Online) that he’s still a picture of good health.