Celebrated actor James Caan, known for such films as Misery, The Gambler, and The Godfather trilogy, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” a tweet to his official account read. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Although no cause was given, James Caan’s manager, Matt DelPiano, confirmed the news in a statement to the AP.
“Jimmy was one of the greatest. Not only was he one of the best actors our business has ever seen, he was funny, loyal, caring and beloved,” DelPiano said. “Our relationship was always friendship before business. I will miss him dearly and am proud to have worked with him all these years.”
Following the news of Caan’s death, an outpouring of support and condolences have come from the many people he worked and befriended over the years.
Born on March 26th, 1939 in New York City, Caan was the son of a kosher meat wholesaler. An active high school student, he managed to be noticed as a star athlete, class president and studied at two colleges before attending the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater under Sanford Meisner.
After a brief stage career, Caan moved to Hollywood. He made his movie debut in a brief uncredited role in Billy Wilder’s Irma La Douche (1963). He then went on to land a major role as a young thug in Lady in a Cage (1964), and to star alongside Harrison Ford in the 1968 Western Journey to Shiloh (1969).
James Caan is survived by his daughter, Tara, and four sons Scott, Alexander, James and Jacob.
