Robert Duvall Brought Bizarre Real-Life Tale from East Tennessee to the Silver Screen

The legendary actor's role in the 2010 film "Get Low" was inspired by the true story of Felix "Uncle Bush" Breazeale.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Legendary actor and director Robert Duvall, who passed away at the age of 95, starred in the 2010 movie "Get Low" which was inspired by the real-life tale of Felix "Uncle Bush" Breazeale, a 1930s Tennessee hermit who conspired with a local funeral home director to throw his own "funeral party" while still alive. The film drew praise for Duvall and co-star Bill Murray's performances.

Why it matters

Duvall's portrayal of the eccentric Breazeale character brought a bizarre but little-known piece of East Tennessee history to a wider audience through the medium of film. The story highlights the region's unique cultural traditions and the resilience of individuals who chose to live on the fringes of society during the Great Depression era.

The details

In the 2010 film "Get Low", Duvall played the role of Felix Bush, a 1930s Tennessee hermit who conspired with a local funeral home director, played by Bill Murray, to throw a "funeral party" for himself while he was still alive. This was inspired by the real-life story of Felix "Uncle Bush" Breazeale, who hosted and attended his own funeral in the Cave Creek community of Roane County, Tennessee in 1938 after making his own coffin and buying a suit.

  • Breazeale hosted and attended his own funeral in 1938.
  • Breazeale actually died in 1943.

The players

Robert Duvall

A legendary American actor and director who starred in the 2010 film "Get Low" based on the real-life story of Felix "Uncle Bush" Breazeale.

Felix "Uncle Bush" Breazeale

A 1930s Tennessee hermit who hosted and attended his own funeral in 1938 after making his own coffin and buying a suit, inspiring the plot of the 2010 film "Get Low".

Bill Murray

An acclaimed American actor who co-starred with Robert Duvall in the 2010 film "Get Low", playing the role of the local funeral home director.

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What they’re saying

“While he starred in many iconic movies over his career that spanned seven decades, one unique role he had brought a bizarre Depression-Era tale from East Tennessee to the silver screen.”

— Gregory Raucoules, Author (wate.com)

The takeaway

Robert Duvall's acclaimed performance in "Get Low" helped bring wider attention to a unique piece of East Tennessee folklore and cultural history, demonstrating the power of film to preserve and share stories that might otherwise be forgotten.