Actor James Caan has died at the age of 82. He was groomed for a prominent role in The Godfather, that of Sonny, the eldest son of Vito Corleone, a violent and reckless man who met his death in one of the most violent scenes in cinema history.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of Jimmy’s passing on the night of July 6,” a statement from the family said. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and sincerest condolences and asks that you continue to respect his privacy during this difficult time.”
For his part, actor Al Pacino wrote: “Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. It is hard to believe that he will no longer be in the world because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. He loved him, I will miss him ». Robert de Niro also wrote that he was “very saddened to hear the news of Jimmy’s passing.”
In a statement, Francis Ford Coppola said: “Jimmy was someone who spanned my life longer and closer than any movie figure I have ever known. From those early days working together in The Rain People and through all the milestones in my life, his movies and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. will always be my old friend Sunny Sidemy collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.”
Barbra Streisand shared a photo of the two on her Twitter account, before writing: “I’m so sorry about Jimmy. He was so talented.”
Writer/director James Gunn tweeted a thank you for his favorite Caan movies, writing, “There are so many of his movies that I love, the Caan movies. The Godfatherof course, are at the top, but here are a few more that I adore.”
Director Edgar Wright called the late actor “a true megawatt movie star.” ”Mr. Jimmy Caan, star not only of The Godfatherbut also of Thief, Misery, Freebie and the Bean, Slither, Rollerball, Bottle Rocket, Gardens of Stone, The Way of the Gun, Honeymoon in Vegas, Elf and many more”.
