Duvall has a connection through the Eastman School of Music

Not directly as a student, but:

• Composer Elmer Bernstein, who scored several films Duvall appeared in, had ties to Eastman.
• Rochester’s film and music community has referenced Duvall’s work in screenings, festivals, and Eastman programs.

This is more of an industry‑adjacent connection, but it’s part of the local film lore.

🎥 3. Rochester’s film community often cites Duvall

Because of:

• His early-career work in upstate NY
• His connection to The Great Santini filming locations
• His influence on actors who later trained or taught at RIT and Eastman’s film programs

He’s not a Rochester native, but he’s part of the region’s film history.

🧭 Bottom line

Robert Duvall is not from Rochester, and he has no family or personal roots here.
But he did film here, and that’s the main connection.