While studying acting for two years in 1955-1957, Robert Duvall supported himself working at which odd jobs?

Robert Duval (born 1931) is an American actor and filmmaker whose career has spanned more than 7 decades. He is the recipient of numerous awards and has received multiple accolades for his performance in various roles on stage in the theater, then television and finally staring in a variety of films.

Born in San Diego, California, he grew up primarily in Annapolis, Maryland and then graduated in 1953 from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama.

In the winter of 1955, Duvall began studies at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, supporting his studies with an educational grant from the G.I. Bill (Government Issue), based on his former service in the U.S. Army (August 19, 1953 to August 20, 1954) after the Korean War. He left with the rank of Private First Class.

His classmates while studying acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse included actors Dustin Hoffman (born 1937) Gene Hackman (born 1930) and James Caan (born 1940). Each of these male actors went on to successful careers in the film industry. He also roomed with Hoffman and Hackman while they were studying acting. Duvall remains friends today with fellow California-born actors Hoffman and Hackman.

While studying acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Duval supported himself working at odd jobs including as a Manhattan post office clerk sorting mail, as a clerk for Macy’s (department store), plus driving a truck.