Veteran Actor James Caan, Most Famous For His Role As Sonny Corleone In 'The Godfather', Passes Away At Age 82
This afternoon, in a statement via Twitter, the world learned that actor James Caan had passed away at 82 years old. The renowned actor was perhaps most famous for his role as Sonny Corleone in 1972s The Godfather. Caan also appeared in iconic films, like Brian's Song and Elf. for his performances, he was nominated for four Golden Globes, an Emmy, and an Oscar.
James Caan was born March 26, 1940, in The Bronx to Jewish immigrants from Germany. He graduated high school in New York City and attended college at Michigan State, where he played football and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Two years later, Caan transferred back home to Hempstead, New York. It was here he would be introduced to Francis Ford Coppola and Lainie Kazan. Finally, he would leave Hempstead to return to New York City's Playhouse School Of Theater, where he would graduate after five years of study.
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James started acting in off-Broadway plays before debuting on Broadway with Blood, Sweat, and Stanley Poole. In 1969 he moved to film when his former college friend, Francis Ford Coppola, decided to cast him in The Rain People. A few years later, in 1972, Coppola would call once again on his friend to play the role of Sonny Corleone, the eldest child of Don Vito. The head of the Corleone Crime Family. This role rocketed Caan to stardom, netting him an Oscar nomination as well as a nomination for an Academy Award.
Throughout the rest of his life, James Caan continued to act in several roles in film and television. His versatility was nearly unmatched. Whether Cann was a lonely sailor in Cinderella Liberty or an aging star athlete of an ultra-violent sport in Rollerball, he was a perfect fit. To that end, his moving performance in Brian's Song is moving and the complete opposite of Sonny's. James Caan will be missed by the world.
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