Historical Figure
James Caan
1960–2022
American actor (1940–2022)
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Biography
James Edmund Caan was an American actor. He came to prominence playing Sonny Corleone in The Godfather (1972), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.
In Their Own Words (3)
There's a big difference between wanting to work and having to work. And I had to learn that the hard way. Now money is very important to me, because I ain't got it.
A "Godfather Four"? Not by Francis, anyway. Who cares? There shouldn't have been a Godfather Part III.
[on actors taking themselves too seriously] The truth is ... myself, De Niro, Pacino, Hoffman, we were arrogant, pompous asses.
Timeline
The story of James Caan, told in moments.
Played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. The tollbooth shooting scene used 147 squibs on his body. He improvised the moment where Sonny smashes a photographer's camera.
Turned down roles in Apocalypse Now, Superman, and Kramer vs. Kramer. Developed a serious cocaine habit that nearly ended his career.
Returned to prominence in the comedy Elf alongside Will Ferrell. The film earned $220 million worldwide and became a holiday classic.
Died in Los Angeles at age 82.
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