‘The Godfather’ star dies at 82

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James Caan, the American actor recognized for tough-guy roles reminiscent of Sonny Corleone, has handed away

US actor James Caan, who starred in movies like ‘The Godfather’, ‘Thief’, ‘Distress’, and ‘Dogville’  has died at 82.

The actor’s demise was introduced on Thursday on his Twitter account: “It’s with nice disappointment that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the night of July 6. The household appreciates the outpouring of affection and heartfelt condolences and asks that you simply proceed to respect their privateness throughout this troublesome time.”

No reason for demise was disclosed. Caan’s Hollywood profession peaked within the Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties, however he remained lively with dozens of roles over the previous decade, together with a film scheduled for launch in 2023 and at the very least two new initiatives within the works.

“So sorry to listen to the information,” stated Rob Reiner, the director of ‘Distress’, which was launched in 1990. “I cherished working inside him – and the one Jew I knew who might calf-rope with the perfect of them. Like to the household.”

Caan’s largest breakthrough function was as Sonny Corleone within the 1972 blockbuster ‘The Godfather’.

Caan was recognized for a number of different hits all through the Seventies, together with ‘Rollerball’ and ‘Brian’s Tune’. His solely Oscar nomination was for greatest supporting actor in ‘The Godfather’. His profession was reportedly derailed by drug abuse and melancholy, which sidelined him for about 5 years within the mid-Nineteen Eighties.

“It doesn’t matter what heights you obtain, even in case you’re Brad Pitt, the slide is coming, certain as demise and taxes,” Caan was quoted as saying. “So in case you put every thing into that one basket, performing, you’ll wind up hurting your self, both with medicine or every other self-destructive factor you possibly can consider.”

Caan got here again to land many memorable roles, together with components in such motion pictures as ‘Elf’, ‘For the Boys’, and ‘Dick Tracy’. He was additionally recognized for turning down roles that may have made him an even bigger star, reminiscent of components in ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.

Caan was born in New York Metropolis’s Bronx borough, the son of Jewish immigrants from Germany. He was married 4 instances and had 5 kids, together with actor Scott Caan.