James Caan–a Hollywood legend who made an indelible mark on the big screen with roles in such classics as Misery and The Godfather–passed away this week at the age of 82.
Caan’s passing was announced by his family on Twitter, according to a report in Variety. “It is with great sadness,” the tweet read, “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.”
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
Caan–who earned Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations for his work–is perhaps best known for his role as Santino “Sonny” Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 classic The Godfather. Caan’s death scene in the Oscar-winning film–being violently gunned down during an ambush at a toll booth–is one of the iconic moments in cinematic history.
Caan’s co-starring role in 1990’s MIsery (alongside Oscar winner Kathy Bates) is arguably his most memorable genre role. In the Rob Reiner-directed film based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel, Caan plays novelist Paul Sheldon, who is held captive by an obsessive fan (Bates) who forces him to rewrite the finale to his book series featuring a character named Misery Chastain.
Caan–married and divorced four times–is survived by daughter Tara and by sons Scott, Alexander, James and Jacob.
The staff of Horror News Network extends its heartfelt condolences to Caan’s family, friends and colleagues.
