James Caan, the legendary actor who starred in films including “The Godfather,” “Elf” and “Misery,” died Wednesday. He was 82.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” read a statement posted to Caan’s Twitter Thursday.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
The statement ended with the actor’s usual tweet sign-off, “End of tweet.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Over Caan’s six decades in the entertainment business, he starred in films including “El Dorado,” “Brian’s Song, “Bottle Rocket” and many more.
Caan, who was born and raised in New York City, was a football star at Michigan State University before he transferred to Hofstra University, where he took an interest in acting.
He appeared in many one-off TV appearances in the ’60s before landing his first film role in 1963’s “Irma la Douce.” He went on to receive an Emmy nomination for his emotional performance in the TV movie “Brian’s Song” in 1971.
Shortly after, he catapulted to fame playing Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” a role that landed him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nod in 1972.
Caan reflected on the film’s legacy 50 years later in March 2022, telling The Post, “One of the things that made ‘The Godfather’ successful, besides brilliant directing and writing and wonderful actors … was that everyone really enjoyed making it, and that comes off on the screen and I think the audience can tell that we were having a good time doing what we were doing up there.”
After “The Godfather,” the films roles kept coming for Caan with “The Gambler,” “Thief,” “Dick Tracy” and the classic Stephen King film “Misery.” He also played Walter Hobbs, famously on the naughty list, in the modern holiday classic “Elf.”
“So sorry to hear the news,” Rob Reiner, who directed Caan in “Misery” tweeted Thursday. “I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family.”
“Wonderful actor,” John Cusack wrote, with Jon Lovitz adding, “well this just sucks.”
“I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends,” the comedian added. “Always a fun guy to be around. He was always supportive of my career. He even did a cameo in my tv special and got Robert Duvall to be in it. A highlight of my career. God bless James Caan.”
Caan — who was married four times throughout his life — is survived by five children: “Hawaii Five-0” star Scott Caan, 45, James Caan, 26, Tara Caan, 57, Jacob Caan, 23, and Alexander Caan, 31.
