James Caan, of ‘The Godfather’ fame, has died, and the family announces
James Caan, of ‘The Godfather fame, has died, and the family announces: The actor, who was 82 years old when he passed away, was known for his roles in the movie “The Yards,” “Dogville,” and “Elf,” among other films.
LOS ANGELES — James Caan, an accomplished actor best remembered for his appearances in the cinematic adaptations of “The Godfather,” passed away on Thursday, his family announced.
According to a tweet published by Caan’s family, Caan passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and genuine condolences and begs that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
They did not provide any information regarding the cause of death.
It is possible that Caan is most remembered for his performance as Sonny Corleone in the classic film “The Godfather,” which he played in 1972 and which garnered him a nomination for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in the category of best-supporting actor, respectively. In 1974’s “The Godfather Part II,” he gave a performance as the character again.
His decades-long cinematic career began in the 1960s, with starring roles in the Howard Hawks’ films “Red Line 7000” and “El Dorado.”
Caan received a nomination for an Emmy for his performance as a terminally ill football player in the television movie “Brian’s Song,” which aired in 1971. He worked continuously in film during the 1970s, including in the films “A Bridge Too Far,” “The Gambler” and “Funny Lady,” the latter two earning him Golden Globe nods.
After taking a sabbatical from acting for several years in the 1980s, Caan had a notable performance in the 1990 thriller “Misery,” playing the role of a bedridden writer opposite Kathy Bates’s fan who was obsessed with her.
Caan also had memorable appearances in the films “The Yards,” “Dogville” and “Elf.
His most recent appearance was in the romantic comedy “Queen Bees,” which was released in 2021.
Caan was married four times and is survived by five children, including the actor Scott Caan.
Immediately after the news of the iconic actor’s passing became public, tributes to him appeared online.
After a lifetime of admiring his work, comedian Andy Richter finally had the opportunity to collaborate with him, and he found that he loved him even more as a person. “Was lucky enough” “He is effortlessly skilled in addition to being funny, warm, and self-deprecating. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong.”
A number of people discussed their favorite parts and performances by Caan.
James Caan’s appearance in The Godfather Part II’s last flashback scene has been called “one of the all-time great stars reveals,” according to actor James Urbaniak. “You can almost make out the applause coming from the crowd. RIP to a real one.”
“Goodbye to James Caan, who was rugged but sensitive, who was able to convey vulnerability in the same frame as barely contained rage, and never better than in Karel Reisz’s 1974 Dostoevsky adaptation of The Gambler, which is one of the best films ever made about that particular addiction,” said Dana Stevens, a film critic for Slate. “Goodbye to James Caan, who was rugged but sensitive, who was able to convey vulnerability in the same frame as barely
