RIP "Sonny Corleone"
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James Caan, of 'Godfather' fame, has died, family announces
James Caan, the prolific actor known for his roles in "The Godfather" films, has died, his family said Thursday.
Caan died at the age of 82 on Wednesday, his family announced on Twitter.
"The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
They did not mention a cause of death.
PHOTO: In this Sept. 14, 2010, file photo, actor James Caan poses for a portrait during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto.
Caan may be best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in the 1972 classic "The Godfather," which earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor and the Golden Globe for best supporting actor. He reprised the role in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974.
His decadeslong film career began in the 1960s, with starring roles in the Howard Hawks' films "Red Line 7000" and "El Dorado."
Caan's turn as a dying football player in the 1971 TV movie "Brian's Song" earned him an Emmy nomination. He worked steadily in film throughout the 1970s, including in the films "A Bridge Too Far," "The Gambler" and "Funny Lady," the latter two earning him Golden Globe nominations.
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After a break from acting for several years in the 1980s, Caan had a memorable turn as a bedridden writer opposite Kathy Bates' obsessed fan in the 1990 thriller, "Misery."
