James Caan (The Godfather, Misery, Las Vegas) died at 82

The American actor James Caan, nominated for an Oscar for his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, has died at the age of 82. An information shared by his family in a tweet and later confirmed by his manager, Matt DelPiano.

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

Known for his roles in Misery, Brian’s Song, Rollerball and Las Vegas, James Caan is described by his manager as “one of the greatest. Not only was he one of the best actors our business has ever seen, he was funny, loyal, caring and beloved”.

Since the announcement of his death, tributes are pouring in from his former co-stars including Al Pacino, with whom he shared the screen in The Godfather. He said: “Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. 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”.

Francis Ford Coppola, director of several films in which James Caan starred, paid tribute to his “old friend from Sunnyside” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever known“. He added, “Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure I’ve ever known”.

Many other personalities have paid tribute to the actor. You can find some of their tweets below.

Hollywood saw James Caan as a tough guy. There was so much more underneath that tough exterior. He had tremendous empathy as was shown in his extraordinary performance as Sonny Corleone. I always felt he would die for love. RIP https://t.co/xa6p9WZcty

— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) 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

I remember getting the call to do this guest spot on a show called Vegas with James Caan.I was thrilled because he was one of my favorite actors.We had 3 or 4 scenes together.I loved getting in the ring with him. RIP #jamescaan #actor #respect pic.twitter.com/t4K5KFkPJV

— Saverio Guerra (@saverio825) July 7, 2022

Rest In Peace James Caan. There are so many movies of his I love, The Godfather films of course being at the very top, but here are a few more I adore (Thief in particular was a Gunn family classic – I had the poster on my wall in high school). 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/mhrtGMzB0S

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 7, 2022

The Caan family played a major role in saving my life 11 years ago.
I am so sorry for your loss and hope you can again soon find peace.

— Ethan Embry (@EmbryEthan) July 7, 2022