James Caan, best known for playing Sonny Corleone in 'The Godfather,' has died at the age of 82. His family informed via a statement on James’ official Twitter account that the actor died on July 6 due to an unspecified reason.
“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,” informed the legend’s family, whose career throughout the 1970s was marked by memorable roles. Moreover, he was nominated for an Oscar, an Emmy and four Golden Globes; and has 92 credits in films as an actor and 18 in television. However, there is no doubt, his most iconic character was Sonny Corleone in 'The Godfather' series, which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Robert Crimo's racism and Holocaust denial to DISTURBING relationship with 'sex doll' revealed
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.
End of tweet
— James Caan (@James_Caan) July 7, 2022
His path to 'Godfather'
Born to a butcher in the Bronx, the actor, at first, wanted to pursue a career as an American Football player. He switched to acting when he began studying at Hofstra University, where he met Francis Ford Coppola.
He made quite a few TV and film appearances before getting a big break in 1965. He starred in two Howard Hawks films, 'Red Line 7000' and 'El Dorado.' However, it was 1972's drama epic 'The Godfather' that gave him fame and a household name. He had originally auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone, but after Coppola's insistence, Al Pacino was chosen for that role.
Caan played Michael's older brother Sonny, and this role gave him his only Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.
Who are James Caan's five children?
Caan was married four times over the years. His first wife was Dee Jay Mathis, who he was married to from 1961 to 1966, then, Sheila Marie Ryan from 1976 to 1977, to Ingrid Hajek from 1990 to 1995 and to Linda Stokes from 1995 to 2017. The actor is survived by daughter Tara, 57, and sons Scott, 45, Alexander, 31, James, 26, and Jacob, 23.
Besides Scott, who is a celebrity himself. Caan's other children have chosen to stay away from the spotlight. Not much information can be gleaned about them. According to reports, Caan’s only grandchild as of now is Scott’s daughter, Josie James Caan.
Cann and Mathis, two years prior to their separation, welcomed their daughter, Tara.
Caan and Sheila, who got divorced within a year, have son Scott, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor and is known for his role of Turk Malloy in Ocean’s series. In a 2017 interview with The Fall, Scott revealed "My dad didn't want me to get into the business. When you're young you don't see your father as a legend, you just know that he's an interesting, colorful, wild kinda cat and you think, 'I want to be like that guy'." In an interview with People back in 2010 Scott, "To say our relationship wasn't dysfunctional would be a lie." Scott added to People that he had "no resentment" toward his dad. "He made mistakes that affected him — and me — but he's always been there for me no matter what." This was in reference to the tumultuous periods in Scott's childhood when Caan was battling addiction and depression.
Caan and Ingrid welcomed their son, Alexander James Caan, in 1991. Alexander seems to be the only other child besides Scott with some social media presence. Alex, who is the second eldest son after Scott, is also in the creative field. This year, on June 16, he launched his new website which acts as an umbrella for the many talents he has, from composing and producing to music and sound designing. Following his father’s death, he shared a note on his Instagram story that said, “To everyone reaching out right now…Thank you. I see you. I feel your love. I will respond when I can. Meantime, consider the outpouring of love that is sparked around the loss of life. Contemplate why we feel compelled to open our hearts most when we perceive the illusion of suffering. Find a way to share that love fully – in every moment. That is how we evolve. Light and love.”
Following his separation from Hajek, Caan married Linda with whom he welcomed son, James Arthur Caan, in 1995, and second son, Jacob Nicholas Caan, in 1998.
TOP STORIES
Who is John Bigrigg? Ex-LAPD cop's testimony could make Johnny Depp's Gregg Brooks problem go away
'This is disturbing!': Denise Richards TROLLED for creepy OnlyFans collab with daughter Sami Sheen
As a young boy, Caan never showed much interest in films. However, while at the Hofstra University, he developed an intense passion for acting and dropped out to attend Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and from there on forged a successful acting career. Known to be an enigmatic character, Caan had always been highly selective about his roles. While the status of a superstar evaded him due to his choice of unconventional roles, he was ultimately inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the American film industry.
ncG1vNJzZmillZbEuHrCqKRor5ikeqK%2BxGahmqWVqHqkrcCnqmZtXZi1qrjDq5ynZaeew6a%2FjKyaqKykYrCirc1mmJysn6d6sK%2FEmqWsZWFmeqi%2BwKebnKCZobGzsc0%3D