Home ›› 09 Jul 2022 ›› Show Biz
James Caan, the US actor best known for playing tragic and hot-tempered gangster heir Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather,” has died aged 82, his manager said Thursday.
Caan, who also had roles in “Misery”, “Thief” and “Rollerball,” received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a mafia family’s eldest son in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 classic “The Godfather.”
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” Caan’s family said in a tweet posted to his account.
Caan’s manager confirmed the news to AFP.
“Jimmy was one of the greatest. Not only was he one of the best actors our business has ever seen, but he was also funny, loyal, caring and beloved,” wrote Matt DelPiano.
Caan started as an actor in 1960s Hollywood, with roles in films by acclaimed directors including Billy Wilder (“Irma La Douce”), Howard Hawks (“El Dorado”) and Coppola (“The Rain People.”)
He had a breakthrough television role in the 1970 American football drama “Brian’s Song,” portraying dying gridiron star Brian Piccolo.
Briefly, the highest-grossing film of all time, “The Godfather” won three Oscars including best picture and best actor for Marlon Brando.
Caan was among three cast members nominated for best supporting actor, along with Al Pacino and Robert Duvall.
His publicist declined to provide the cause of death. Caan had five children.
