James Caan, ‘Godfather’ and ‘Thief’ Actor, Dies at 82
thewrap.comThe family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.End of tweetCaan was born in the Bronx in 1940, the son of Jewish immigrants from Germany.
Caan grew up in Sunnyside, Queens and would attend Michigan State University to play college football.Afterward, Caan got bit by the acting bug and attended New York City’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre to study acting for the next five years under Sanford Meisner.Caan would break out playing Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in 1971’s “Brians Song” opposite Billy Dee Williams, who starred as fellow Bears running back Gale Sayers.
Caan would garner his first Emmy nomination for his portrayal of the cancer-stricken athlete.Caan would then go on to play hot-headed Sonny Corleone in 1972’s “The Godfather” for director Francis Ford Coppola.
Caan initially auditioned for the role of Michael, which went to Al Pacino. Caan and Coppola previously worked together on 1969’s “The Rain People” where Caan played a brain-damaged football player.
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