Robert Duvall, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in the first two 'The Godfather' films, revealed in a 2004 interview with CBS's '60 Minutes' that he opted not to participate in the trilogy's third installment. His decision was primarily influenced by the fact that Al Pacino would earn significantly more than him—specifically, three to four times his salary—creating a sense of unfairness regarding compensation. He expressed that while he was fine with Al Pacino earning double his pay, the disparity was too great for him to accept returning to the franchise.

This revelation not only highlights the complexities of pay equity in Hollywood but also reflects a broader issue regarding how veteran actors are often compensated in contrast to their co-stars, even when they have significant contributions to classic films. Duvall's character, Tom Hagen, was integral to the narrative of 'The Godfather', and his absence in the 1990 sequel was profoundly felt by fans of the series. This decision inadvertently underscored Duvall's negotiation power and self-worth as an actor.

Duvall passed away recently, and his legacy includes not only his Academy Award win for 'Tender Mercies' but also his numerous roles in classic films, solidifying his reputation as one of cinema's greats. His decision regarding 'The Godfather Part III' remains a significant talking point about the importance of fair compensation in the entertainment industry and the impact such decisions can have on an actor's career trajectory.