James Caan, 'The Godfather' and 'Elf' Acting Legend, Dead at 82

Mar. 15, 2025

James Caanhas died. He was 82 years old.

Atweet from the actor’s official accountThursday read, “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.”

“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the tweet added.

A cause of death was not made immediately available.

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Other notable roles throughout his career include in films likeBrian’s Song(1971),Cinderella Liberty(1973),The Gambler(1974),Rollerball(1975),Dick Tracy(1990),Bottle Rocket(1996) andEraser(1996).

James Caan.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Caan was also known for appearances on television — perhaps most notably for starring as Ed Deline in the dramedy seriesLas Vegas, which ran for five seasons on NBC from 2003 to 2008.

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Among Caan’s numerous accolades are fourGolden Globenominations, along with nods from both theAcademy Awardsand theEmmy Awards. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.

According toIMDb, Caan’s final film role will be in 2023’sFast Charlie. The action-crime-thriller is listed as in post-production, and costarsMorena BaccarinandPierce Brosnan.

James Caan.Warner Brothers-Seven Arts/Getty

The actor recently opened up about thelasting legacy ofThe Godfather— in which he played Vito Corleone’s (Marlon Brando) oldest son, Sonny — for the beloved crime epic’s 50th anniversary.

“When Michael [Al Pacino] tells me he is going to take care of the cop and Sollozzo [Al Lettieri], I say, ‘You’ll get brains all over your nice Ivy League suit,’ " Caan toldThe Hollywood Reporterin March.

His anger at Coppola, 83, aside, “Otherwise, he gave me a great honor,” Caan said with a laugh of the film’s director and co-writer.

James Caan inThe Godfather(1972).CBS via Getty

Caan spoke withThe Independentabout his career in 2021, saying he “was always cast as Mister Tough Guy or Mister Hero. … They wouldn’t let me do much else.”

He also said he was itching “to do some really good character stuff” before he died, explaining, “Henry Fondaalways said he wanted to do a good picture before he passed away. He was never satisfied. I mean, I thought he did a couple of great pictures, you know?”

“But now I get what he meant,” Caan continued. “I really want to work. I taught an acting class for a couple of years here, which was fun and rewarding, but it’s not as much fun as doing it. I just want the opportunity, while I’m still walking, to do something that will have you calling me and saying, ‘Jimmy, that was really good.’ "

“If you know any directors, tell ‘em I’m ready,” he added.

Kathy Bates and James Caan inMisery(1990).Columbia Pictures/Getty

Caan was previously married four times: first to Dee Jay Mattis, from 1961 to 1966, then to Sheila Ryan in 1976.

He later married Ingrid Hajek in 1990. The two divorced in 1995, and he wed Linda Stokes later that year.

The actorfiled for divorce from Stokesin 2005, butthe two later reconciled. Caan and Stokes were in the middle of a divorce as of December 2016, according toTMZ.

Jen Juneau

source: people.com