James Caan, Hollywood actor and Oscar-nominee for movies such as “The Godfather,” “Misery” and “Elf,” has died at the age of 82, said his family in a statement on his Twitter account.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” announced his family, mourning their loved one.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” added the statement.
However, they did not disclose the cause of death.
Caan’s journey towards fame started with the role of Brian Piccolo, a halfback in the Chicago Bears in the widely watched 1971’s TV movie “Brian’s Song.”
The film portrayed Piccolo’s real-life battle with terminal cancer and drew praise for its treatment of the interracial friendship between Piccolo and African American teammate, Gale Sayers.
His following role, 1972’s “The Godfather” made Caan a star. Although he was not Italian, Caan was cast as the hotheaded Sonny Corleone, oldest son to mobster Vito Corleone, who was memorably gunned down by rival gangsters in an ambush at a tollbooth.
In a 2021 interview for “CBS Sunday Morning,” Caan said he based Sonny’s persona on late comedian Don Rickles.
“It wasn’t imitating Don Rickles. It was having that drive, that thing, you know? I was just locked into that,” he said of his memorable performance.
The actor was known for playing tough-guy characters in films such as “Thief” and “Rollerball.” He was also a versatile performer who exuded vulnerability in movies like “Misery,” a 1990 Stephen King novel movie adaptation, about a mild-mannered romance novelist held captive by an obsessive fan.
Caan’s other memorable movies included the Howard Hawks Western “El Dorado,” James Toback’s “The Gambler” and “A Bridge Too Far.”
Later in his career, he appeared on TV in the drama “Las Vegas” and in the “Hawaii Five-0” reboot series, alongside his son Scott Caan.
Entertainers in Hollywood paid tribute and sent their condolences to Caan this Thursday.
“James Caan. Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were best of the best. We all will miss him terribly. Thinking of his family and sending my love,” said Adam Sandler, actor who worked with Caan on the 2012 movie comedy “That’s My Boy.”
“Losing Ray Liotta and James Caan within months of each other just tells me God is up there making one helluva mobster movie,” tweeted comedian Johnny Taylor Jr.
“Very sad to hear the news that James Caan has died. Heartbroken for his family & his friends. Wonderful to know him & call him a pal,” actor Gary Sinise said on Twitter.
“Jimmy was so supportive of Gary Sinise Foundation & my work w/ our veterans. He will be missed. Thank you my friend. Rest In Peace. God bless you,” he concluded.
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