It turns out one of cinema’s most iconic figures was a massive fan of one of Glasgow’s most iconic players. Hollywood heavyweight Robert Duvall, known for his legendary role in The Godfather, once revealed that he admired Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone so much that he named his dog after him.
Duvall, who recently passed away at the age of 95, first crossed paths with the man famously known as “Jinky” while filming the 2000 football drama A Shot at Glory, in which Duvall played the manager of the fictional Kilnockie FC.
Despite a career spent working alongside the world’s biggest movie stars, Duvall maintained that none of them compared to the charismatic Scotsman. During a 2012 promotional tour for Jack Reacher, Duvall reflected on his time in the UK and his deep respect for Johnstone.
”I can safely say the greatest character I have ever met, and I have met a lot, is wee Jimmy Johnstone from Scotland,” Duvall remarked. “Jinky, what a guy. I named a dog after him… What a character, and a great player.”
Johnstone’s legacy on the pitch is equally legendary:
- The Lisbon Lion: He was a key member of the historic 1967 Celtic side that became the first British team to win the European Cup.
- Fan Favorite: In 2002, Celtic supporters officially voted him the greatest player in the club’s history.
- The Numbers: Over 515 appearances for the Hoops, he netted 129 goals and earned 23 caps for the Scottish national team.
Though “Jinky” passed away in 2006, the high praise from a Hollywood titan like Duvall serves as a fitting tribute to the outsized personality and talent of Celtic’s favorite son.
