Filmmakers and stars like Al Pacino and Francis Ford Coppola have paid tribute to James Caan, the Godfather actor who died Wednesday at the age of 82.
Caan played Sonny Corleone in Coppola’s classic 1972 gangster movie.
Pacino, who played the role of Michael Corleone in the movie, called him a “great actor” as well as a “dear friend”.
Ford Coppola stated that Caan’s work will “never be forgotten”.
The director of the PA news agency stated that Jimmy was someone who spanned through my life more than any motion picture character I’ve ever seen.
His films and many of the great roles he played in my life will be cherished forever, starting with our early times together on [1969 film] The Rain People.
He said, “He will always remain my old friend from [New York] Sunnyside. He is my collaborator and one the most funniest people that I’ve ever met.”
Caan, who was born in Bronx, was among the stars of the iconic mobster movie.
Pacino spoke of his “fictional brother” and “lifelong friend” and said that it was hard to believe that he would not be here anymore because he was so alive, daring and vibrant.
He added, “A great actor and a brilliant director, and my dear friend,” “I’m gonna miss him.”
De Niro said he was “very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing”.
Caan’s portrayal of Sonny, the fiery-tempered character, earned him his Academy Award nomination as best supporting actor.
For a flashback scene, he reprised the role in The Godfather Part II. Roman Coppola’s son played Sonny in the 1920s scenes.
Talia Shire, the actress who played Caan’s sister Connie Corleone, told PA that he was a “good man, kind man, a father figure, and a gifted man. His great talent will be remembered and loved forever.”
She added, “My thoughts and prayers are with his family who he loved so deeply.”
Joe Mantegna, who starred in the third film of the Godfather series, offered his condolences via Twitter. James Caan was one of the greatest gifts of being part of The Godfather Family. He posted, “Rest in Peace Jimmy.”
Michael Mann, a filmmaker who directed Caan in Thief’s 1981 heist thriller Thief described Caan’s death as a “terrible, tragic loss”.
He said that Jimmy was more than a great actor, with total commitment and a risk-taking spirit. But he also had a vitality at the core of his being that drove all he did from art to friendship to athletics and good times.
Rob Reiner, a fellow filmmaker who directed the star of the 1990 psychological thriller Misery said that he loved working with him.
Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams shared a photo on social media showing the two of them together.
Caan was a leading Hollywood actor in the 1970s, whose career spans decades. He was nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy as well as four Golden Globes.
On Thursday, his family thanked his fans for their “outpourings of love and heartfelt condolences”
The New Yorker is well-known for his party lifestyle and was married four more times. He had five children.
Gary Sinise, a fellow actor, wrote on Twitter that it was “wonderful” to have known him and called him a friend.
