Al Pacino as Michael Corleone and James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather
James Caan, the multifaceted actor who will always be best remembered for his portrayal of Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, died yesterday, July 6, 2022. Caan’s death, announced on July 7 by his family and confirmed by his manager, Matt DelPiano, came after a six-decade career during which the actor played a wide variety of characters. The actor is being mourned by Hollywood.
Caan’s legendary film career, often playing tough guys, is highlighted by his key role in 1972’s first installment in The Godfather. Caan also appeared in such films as Misery, Thief, the TV movie Brian’s Song, Rollerball, Hide in Plain Sight, The Gambler, El Dorado, Funny Lady, Elf and many others.
James Caan and Kathy Bates in Misery
No cause or place of death was reported. Caan was 82. The actor is being mourned by fellow Hollywood greats, many of whom starred opposite him, and by numerous others who admired his work.
The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola told Deadline.com, “Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure I’ve ever known. From those earlier times working together on The Rain People, and throughout all the milestones of my life, his films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. He will always be my old friend from Sunnyside, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.”
Al Pacino, who triumphed in his breakout role as Caan’s younger brother Michael in the picture, released a statement. “Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I’m gonna miss him.”
And Talia Shire, who portrayed his sister Connie Corleone wrote, “James was a good man, a kind man, a family man, and a wildly gifted man — whose great talent will always be loved and remembered. My prayers are with his family that he treasured so dearly.”
Billy Dee Williams, who starred as Chicago Bears football great Gale Sayers alongside Caan’s role as Brian Piccolo in the 1971 tearjerker Brian’s Song, wrote, “Team mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy 💔”
Team Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy 💔#jamescaan pic.twitter.com/s7lfMzMlh3
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) July 7, 2022
Kathy Bates, who won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role opposite Caan in the 1990 thriller, Misery, wrote that she was “heartbroken.”
I’m heartbroken to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Shocked. No words. Thank you, Jimmy. Love you, your ‘Kat’ @James_Caan
— Kathy Bates (@MsKathyBates) July 7, 2022
Rob Reiner, who directed Misery, wrote, “I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them.”
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.
The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
End of tweet
— James Caan (@James_Caan) July 7, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/a0q8rCP1Yl
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) July 7, 2022
Caan portrayed Will Ferrell’s father in the feature film, Elf. “I will always treasure my time spent on and off camera with James Caan,” wrote Ferrell. “He always had great stories and advice. Without him, a movie like Elf doesn’t work.”
Oh no! Such a legend. What pleasure he brought us. The greatest example ever of why actors should be free to play parts across ethnic and racial lines. One of the greatest Italian gangsters in film history played by a Jewish guy! Deepest condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/4c6qbnNvCc
— 🕉Stevie Van Zandt☮️ (@StevieVanZandt) July 7, 2022
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. 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 pic.twitter.com/BJYJkSepOW
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) July 7, 2022
Well, this just sucks about James Caan. I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends. Always a fun guy to be around. He was always supportive of my career. He even did a cameo in my tv special and got Robert Duvall to be in it. A highlight of my career. God bless James Caan.
— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) July 7, 2022
Every story I’ve heard – was he was charming , hilarious man –
What a great performer .
Been marveling at the film “thief”
With caan and Robert prosky –
A great re watch https://t.co/IyqU02ohq1— John Cusack (@johncusack) July 7, 2022
Every story I’ve heard – was he was charming , hilarious man –
What a great performer .
Been marveling at the film “thief”
With caan and Robert prosky –
A great re watch https://t.co/IyqU02ohq1— John Cusack (@johncusack) July 7, 2022
Oh man. RIP.
The times I had the luxury of sharing laughter with you I will always cherish.
What an actor!
What a character!
❤️🙏RL pic.twitter.com/3qdFfC9BBV— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) July 7, 2022
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2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationJames Caan had two of the most terrorizing scenes in movie history.;
First, he gets riddled by 100 bullets for not having the right change at the toll booth (h/t Mad Magazine). Then, Kathy Bates hobbles him in Misery.
James Caan in Las Vegas is classic tv. 5 year run was 15 years too short! And Killer Elite doesn’t get the proper respect it should. But the man was and will always be truly one of the best–from gangster to cowboy James Caan I will always remember you! RIP in God’s loving arms.