Robert Duvall, one of the most acclaimed actors in American cinema, has built a career on intensity, realism, and raw honesty.

Now, at 94 years old, the Godfather and Apocalypse Now star is making headlines again—not for a new film, but for finally naming the people he hated working with most in his long career. And the list is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

With over six decades in film, Duvall has worked with virtually every major figure in Hollywood.

But in a recent, unfiltered conversation, he named four collaborators he clashed with deeply—some of whom are among the most revered names in entertainment history.

1. Jack Nicholson — “All Ego, No Collaboration”

Duvall didn’t mince words when describing his issues with Jack Nicholson, calling him “a great performer, but a nightmare to collaborate with.”

While both men are Oscar winners and legends in their own right, Duvall revealed that behind the scenes, Nicholson’s ego made working together nearly impossible.

“He’s more interested in being Jack than in serving the story,” Duvall said bluntly.

2. Shelley Duvall — “Difficult and Emotionally Unstable On Set”

Though they share a last name, Robert and Shelley Duvall are not related—and according to Robert, they didn’t get along.

He claimed that during their limited interactions on a shared production, Shelley’s unpredictable behavior made scenes drag on and tensions rise.

“It wasn’t personal, but she brought chaos where there needed to be calm,” he remarked.

3. Stanley Kubrick — “A Tyrant, Not a Director”

Duvall’s disdain for Stanley Kubrick is perhaps the most surprising. Though Kubrick is considered one of the greatest directors of all time, Duvall didn’t hold back.

“He tortured actors to get the performance he wanted. That’s not genius — that’s cruelty.”

Duvall, who’s known for his dedication to emotional truth, criticized Kubrick’s obsessive, controlling nature, comparing it to “psychological warfare” rather than direction.

4. Francis Ford Coppola — “A Creative Genius, But Impossible to Work With”

In perhaps the most shocking admission of all, Duvall included Francis Ford Coppola, the man who directed him in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.

While praising Coppola’s artistic vision, Duvall said the director was disorganized, erratic, and manipulative.

“He’s brilliant, but he left people emotionally wrecked. Art should never come at the cost of humanity.”

Their behind-the-scenes clashes, especially during Apocalypse Now, have been whispered about for decades. Now, Duvall is confirming those stories were true — and worse than many imagined.

Bonus Mentions: John Wayne & Henry Hathaway

Though not on his “hated” list, Duvall also expressed frustration with John Wayne, calling him “a presence, not an actor,” and criticized Henry Hathaway for being “a relic of a bygone era who couldn’t connect with modern storytelling.”

In an industry where most stars take secrets to the grave, Robert Duvall’s honesty stands out. At 94, he has little to prove and nothing to lose — and his willingness to name names has sparked renewed conversation about what really happens behind Hollywood’s closed doors. “I’ve earned the right to speak my truth,” Duvall said. “Let the chips fall where they may.”

Robert Duvall’s comments may ruffle feathers, but they also shine a light on the complex dynamics of fame, power, and artistic ego. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is certain: at 94, he’s still one of the most fearless voices in Hollywood.