James Caan, actor in ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Misery’, dies at 82

Update with reactions from Francis Ford Coppola and Talia Shire ///Los Angeles, Jul 7, 2022 (AFP) – James Caan, who starred in the classics “The Godfather” and “Misery”, died at the age of 82, his environment reported Thursday next. “It is with great sadness that we report Jimmy’s death on the night of July 6,” his family said on the actor’s Twitter account. “Jimmy was one of the greatest. He was not only one of the best actors the industry ever seen, he was funny, loyal, caring and loved,” his manager Matt DelPiano wrote in a statement sent to AFP. “I will miss him very much.” Caan made his television debut in 1961. After small roles on the small screen, he jumped into the movies, where he shared scenes with stars such as John Wayne, Candice Bergen and Robert Duvall, with whom he worked in “It rains on me”. heart” (1969) under the direction of Francis Ford Coppola. But it was his performance in “The Godfather” in 1972 that established him. In the mafia classic directed by the then-young Coppola, Caan stars as Santino “Sonny” Corleone, Vito Corleone’s eldest son, whose untimely temper defines the course of the family and creates some of the most memorable scenes in the blockbuster. film that won three Oscars, including best picture. Caan was nominated for best supporting actor by the Academy thanks to his explosive performance. “Jimmy spent more time and closer to me than any figure in the cinema I have ever known,” Coppola said in a statement to AFP. “His movies and his great roles will never be forgotten. He will always be my great friend, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I have ever met,” added the 83-year-old director. “His great talent will always be loved and remembered.” actress Talia Shire, who played Connie, Sonny Corleone’s younger sister, also told AFP. “A blessing.” year it celebrated its 50th anniversary. “It was a blessing (…) I did not know that they would make a second part, if I had known I would have refused to die,” the actor joked then, referring to Sonny’s tragic outcome. “Unlike actors who hide or do not want to autographs or being recognized, I’m very grateful that people still remember that I’m alive and all that”. The announcement of his death flooded social networks with clips of his roles and with words of admiration and regret. “In memory of the legendary James Caan. May he rest in peace,” tweeted the Paramount Movies studio, along with a photo of the actor.- “Talented actor” -Other films that marked Caan’s career were “Midnight Love Leave” ( 1973), “The Gambler” (1974), and the futuristic dystopia “Rollerball” (1975). In 1990 he starred alongside Kathy Bates in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s book “Misery.” In the thriller he plays a troubled writer who after an apparent accident becomes a hostage of a fan.”I was so sad to hear that Jimmy left us,” reacted the film’s director Rob Reiner. The actor’s personal life seemed at times to get mixed up with some of his most famous roles. In 1992 he testified at the trial of Ronald Lorenzo, a known member of New York’s Bonanno crime family, who was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Caan said that Lorenzo was his best friend. In 1994 he was arrested for drawing a semi-automatic weapon in the middle of an argument over a vehicle that was vandalized. Born in New York on March 26, 1940, Caan was married four times and had five children, including actor Scott Caan. The cause of death was not reported, but according to local media, the actor died at his home in Los Angels. “The family appreciates the demonstrations of love and heartfelt condolences, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” added the publication on his Twitter account, closing with “End of the tweet”, a phrase with which Caan signed his posts.pr/dg/ll ——————————————- ——————