(Getty Images), Caan's early work included "Red Line 7000," "El Dorado" and "The Rain People. Caan did not take a starring role in a TV series until 2003, but his first effort, "Las Vegas," was an immediate hit. As the actor described in a previous interview with Today, the creators were very open to his suggestions granting him plenty of opportunities to get involved in the creative process. Once again in demand, Caan starred in For the Boys with Bette Midler in 1991 as part of a song-and-dance team entertaining U.S. soldiers during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Copyright 2023 Distractify. Entertainment, Caan said that he lived with cocaine addiction after turning to the drug when his sister died from leukemia. Russo, who was help producing the drama, told theNew York Post: "He said, You know, Jimmy would be great in this movie. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. I love to work with good people. A football player at Michigan State University and a practical joker on production sets, Caan was a grinning, handsome performer with an athletes swagger and muscular build. I wouldnt give Jimmy Caan a part in anything. He was so rude to me.". Scoot Caan, also an actor like his dad, opened up to PEOPLE back in 2010 about their relationship. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. Actor who played Sonny Corleone in the groundbreaking 1972 epic engineered a comeback after his career went off the rails in the early 1980s. Caan died from a heart attack in early July. Caan was already a star on television, breaking through in the 1971 TV movie "Brians Song," an emotional drama about Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo, who had died of cancer the year before at age 26. James Caan: the hard-working star who mixed the rough with the smooth, James Caan: some of The Godfather star's most memorable scenes video, Caan said he was fitted with over 140 squibs. Fox News' Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report. After the death of his sister, Barbara in 1981 fromleukemia,Caanfell into a deep depression thatplagued himfor most of his life. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn Not me, Caan said. Among Caan's numerous accolades are four Golden Globe nominations, along with nods from both the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards. James Caan, the curly-haired tough guy known to movie fans as the hotheaded Sonny Corleone of The Godfather and to television audiences as both the dying football player in the classic weeper Brians Song and the casino boss in Las Vegas, has died. We all will miss him terribly. Jimmy got a little aggressive, Russo said back in 2017. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 'All Good Here!' Brosnan stars in the upcoming film Fast Charlie with Caan. He is most known for being the fifth actor to portray secret agent James Bond in the Bond film series. His son, Scott Caan, grew up to be an actor as well. He was 82. I was so pissed off, I couldnt watch the rest of the film., Caan added, But otherwise, [Coppola] gave me a great honor., Caan also dismissed the rumor that he butted heads with co-star Gianni Russo on set. All Rights Reserved. But by the early 1980s he began to sour on films, though Michael Manns 1981 neo-noir heist film Thief, in which he played a professional safecracker looking for a way out, is among his most admired films. The Mandalorian Season Three Gets Off to a Disappointing Start When Michael [Al Pacino] tells me he is going to take care of the cop and Sollozzo [Al Lettieri], I say, Youll get brains all over your nice Ivy League suit. There was a scene before in the same room that I had with Bobby [Duvall] that was like 10 pages long and Francis cut all of it out! Caan told The Hollywood Reporter in honor of The Godfathers 50th anniversary. Over a 60-year career, Caan has definitely earned it, playing one memorable role after another, and managing not to be typecast - Sonny, Don Corleone's hothead son in "The Godfather"; a dying. When the series debuted, he was a casino surveillance chief dealing with cheaters and competitors of the fictional Montecito Resort and Casino. "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6," the family wrote in a tweet. Photo: Matt Carr/Getty. Recent hot onscreen roles have included The Yards (2000), City of Ghosts (2002) and Dogville (2003). James struggled with various mental and physical health complications over the years, including depression, severe chest pain, and back problems. If you need support, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org to chat online one-on-one with a support . Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. It renewed Caan's career, and he became busy as ever. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. ". His father was a meat dealer and butcher. I just want the opportunity, while I'm still walking, to do something that will have you calling me and saying, 'Jimmy, that was really good.' "The point is, I'll make less mistakes than my dad, my sons hopefully will make less mistakes than me, and their sons will make less mistakes than their dads. I shall cherish the memory of you always. He also appeared in more traditional vehicles, such as the Barbra Streisand musical Funny Lady and the second world war epic A Bridge Too Far. However, audiences were moved to tears as he put in a heart-rending performance as cancer-stricken Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in the highly rated made-for-TV film Brian's Song (1971).With these strong performances under his belt, Francis Ford Coppola then cast him as hot-tempered gangster Santino "Sonny" Corleone in the Mafia epic The Godfather (1972). As they traveled to the Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles for supper, the 79-year-old Godfather actor was spotted enjoying time with his youngest child, who is 21. That was a big-time winner for me, Caan said. In addition, he finds himself at the helm of the hit TV series Las Vegas (2003) as casino security chief "Big Ed" Deline. The creators obliged, and Ed Deline's character was born. Caan also had a role in the successful animation Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and in the fondly-remembered Christmas comedy Elf, as Will Ferrells businessman father. The actor recently opened up about the lasting legacy of The Godfather in which he played Vito Corleone's (Marlon Brando) oldest son, Sonny for the beloved crime epic's 50th anniversary. ", "She was the only person I was afraid of in the world," he explained. One of his most noteworthy big-screen gigs was in Martin Scorsese's crime movie Goodfellas. ", JAMES CAAN, GODFATHER STAR, DEAD AT 82, FAMILY SAYS, 'Godfather' actor James Caan died on Wednesday, July 7. He was a star athlete and class president at Rhodes High School and, after attending Michigan State and Hofstra University, he studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater under Sanford Meisner. So happy I got to know him. The fun of it was taken away, he told an interviewer in 1981. "When Michael [Al Pacino] tells me he is going to take care of the cop and Sollozzo [Al Lettieri], I say, 'You'll get brains all over your nice Ivy League suit,' " Caan told The Hollywood Reporter in March. ", He added, jokingly: And one of these days, maybe we'll raise a perfect Caan.". He managed a long career despite drug problems, outbursts of temper and minor brushes with the law. Caan was nominated for an Emmy for his role, which led to his reuniting with Coppola for The Godfather. The news was released by his Twitter account on Thursday. From those earlier times working together onThe Rain People, and throughout all the milestones of my life, his films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. The legendary actor starred in 'Misery' and 'Elf," in addition to hundreds of other roles. He was so talented., In a statement, Pacino shared: Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. A tweet from the actor's official account Thursday read, "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing . James Caan, whose indelible, Oscar-nominated performance as Sonny Corleone, the recklessly hotheaded son of Marlon Brando's Mafia don in "The Godfather," is sure to be remembered as long as . The actor's manager shared the news of his demise a day after his passing via the late star's Twitter. No cause was given and Caans family, who requests privacy, said that no further details would be released at this time. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Matt Mitovich May 9, 2007, 3:47 p.m. PT. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "Ive done pictures where Id rather do time. "Jimmy was one of the greatest," Del Piano said in a statement. Market data provided by Factset. He made his movie debut in a brief uncredited role in 1963 in Billy Wilders Irma La Douce, then landed a role as young thug who terrorizes Olivia de Havilland in Lady in a Cage. He also appeared opposite John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in the 1966 Western El Dorado and Harrison Ford in the 1968 Western Journey to Shiloh.. By the time James Caan passed away in 2022, the famous actor was 82 years old. After 22 years of marriage, the pair divorced citing irreconcilable differences. Las Vegas Has Basically Shut Down Thanks to the Coronavirus, FaZe Banks and His Crew Caused $30,000 in Damages to a Las Vegas Hotel Room, Man's Text Messages With Friend Who Was In Las Vegas Massacre Emerge Online. Born March 26, 1939, in New York City, Caan was the son of a kosher meat wholesaler. of roles has arguably derailed him from achieving true superstar he added. James acted for decades in numerous blockbuster movies, including Misery, Dick Tracy and most endearingly, Elf.. Caan had been a favorite of Francis Ford Coppola since the 1960s, when Coppola cast him for the lead in Rain People. He was primed for a featured role in The Godfather as Sonny, the No. All rights reserved. Caan bonded with Brando, Robert Duvall and other cast members and made it a point to get everyone laughing during an otherwise tense production, sometimes dropping his pants and mooning a fellow actor or crew member. RAY LIOTTA: A LOOK AT THE 'GOODFELLAS' STAR'S LIFE BEHIND THE CAMERA AND AS A HOLLYWOOD LEGEND, James Caan first worked with director Francis Ford Coppola in 'The Rain People' in 1969. It was among the most popular and wrenching TV movies in history and Caan and co-star Billy Dee Williams, who played Piccolos teammate and best friend Gale Sayers, were nominated for best actor Emmys. ", He added: "He made mistakes that affected him and me but he's always been there for me no matter what. A year after his Firehouse 51 job ended, Hodge actually worked opposite James Caan in the indie thriller "The Waiting." The same year he made his third, and sadly final appearance in "The Purge . He also lent his voice to animated shows likeFamily Guyand American Dad. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. He hit me right in the head with that, and then he throws me over the railing and hes biting my hands when I crawl out, he literally lifted me up with his kick none of that was supposed to happen., Related Sending my love to his family.. I loved him, gonna miss him. Robert De Niro also wrote that he was, very very sad to hear about Jimmys passing.. Al Pacino wrote in an emailed statement that, Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. Losing Ray Liotta and James Caan within months of each other just tells me God is up there making one helluva a mobster movie. We want to hear it. 1 enforcer and eldest son of Mafia boss Vito Corleone. He had five children, one of whom, Scott, followed him into acting, appearing in Gone in 60 Seconds, Oceans Eleven and the Hawaii Five-0 reboot. Editors picks However, Caan's previous health . Tom is a father of twins with his ex-girlfriend Janelle McIntire. The two divorced in 1995, and he wed Linda Stokes later that year. However, the ambitious TV series didn't appeal to him enormously. Snubbing the King: Why Don't Big Stars Want to Perform at Charles' Coronation? Besides being a talented instinctive actor, he was the only Jew I knew who could rope a calf with the best of them. HEARTFELT tributes to James Caan are pouring out from fans and old friends alike following his death at the age of 82. Says Adam Driver, Defending Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' Set, Damien Chazelle Compared Diego Calva to Al Pacino During 'Babylon' Casting, 22 Great Erotic Thrillers, from Adrian Lyne to Brian De Palma, 45 Great Films That Failed at the Box Office. The 100 Best Albums of 2022. I just walked out of a picture at Paramount. Between 1982 and 1987, he went on what he would later call the Hollywood burnout. Neither he nor the family would reveal a cause. Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure Ive ever known, the director toldDeadline. ", "Ive never missed a days work in my life, even through all the st," he remarked. He also made a brief appearance in a flashback sequence in The Godfather, Part II.. A statement read: It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6. James Caan. James Caan's former costar Sylvester Stallone honored his friend by sharing a series of photos. The following year he played a tongue-in-cheek version of Sonny Corleone in the comedy Honeymoon in Vegas, tricking Nicolas Cage into betting his girlfriend, Sarah Jessica Parker, in a high-stakes poker game so he can spirit her away and try to persuade her to marry him. James disappeared from Hollywood on several occasions, intermittently working as a children's sports coach. The action-crime-thriller is listed as in post-production, and costars Morena Baccarin and Pierce Brosnan. Rest In Peace. Free shipping for many products! I said you havent got enough money to make me go to work every day with a director I dont like.. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. I loved working with him. He later reprised the role when he returned for Godfather II. Absolute king. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Other later films included Flesh and Bone, Bottle Rocket and Mickey Blue Eyes. He introduced himself to a new generation playing Walter, the workaholic, stone-faced father of Buddys Will Ferrell in Elf., Adam Sandler, who acted with him in Bulletproof and Thats My Boy tweeted that he, Loved him very much. Although James approached the task at hand with a critical mentality, Las Vegas had a seismic impact on his career. IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He reached into the core of his being during difficult personal times to be the rebellious, half wild child, institutionalized outsider Frank, in my first film, Thief. The character and the man like his Sonny in The Godfather were made for each other. No cause of death was provided. Scoot Caan, also an actor like his dad, opened up to PEOPLE back in 2010 about their relationship. I have more fun when Im working, because I get to know new people, and mostly good people, you know? James Caan has died. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage), "That was when I came back!" His films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. ", Caan died from a heart attack in early July. Caan and Stokes were in the middle of a divorce as of December 2016, according to TMZ. Godfather veteran James Caan, 79, is pushed in a wheelchair by son Jacob, 21 | Daily Mail Online The frail star was pushed in wheelchair by his son Jacob on Tuesday following a recent back. At the time, the cause of his death was not revealed. "But there were days when I was not on my best behavior. Initial theatrical release was on March 15, 1972, by Paramount Pictures. Always wanted to be like him. The guys nuts.. These included a cop-buddy crime partnership with Alan Arkin in the uneven Freebie and the Bean (1974), a superb performance as a man playing for his life in The Gambler (1974) alongside Lauren Hutton, and pairing with Barbra Streisand in Funny Lady (1975). I did the fight scene with stuntman Paul Baxley. ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER, The actor was born in the Bronx and later made his on-screen debut in 1963 with "Irma la Douce. Why did he leave the show? Further work followed in Journey to Shiloh (1968) and in the sensitive The Rain People (1969). He was 82. The tumultuous making of the blockbuster movie is at the center of the Paramount+ limited series The Offer, charting the behind-the-scenes drama that plagued the big-screen adaptation of Mario Puzos novel. James Caan: The studio thought The Godfather was a piece of garbage, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Notorious for a hell-raising party lifestyle, Caan cut a swathe through Hollywood in the 1970s and early 80s, before abruptly quitting acting and for what the actor described a pretty scary period disappearing from public view, before engineering a comeback in the late 1980s, winning acclaim for films such as Misery, The Yards and Elf. Jen Juneau is a digital news writer for PEOPLE since 2016. ", He added: "We're really best buddies. And I didnt have to wait six months for them to put music to it.". The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. James career began when he played Brian Piccolo in Brians Song. Although his character was dispatched early in the saga, Caans volcanic portrayal of Sonny resulted in an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "When she died, passion became this whole thing with me. He followed it up with the popular Alien Nation but fully re-established himself with the Stephen King adaptation Misery, directed by Rob Reiner, in which Caan played the bedbound author subject to the attentions of obsessive nurse/fan Kathy Bates. "You were an inspiration to me as young actor starting out and an even greater one as a man watching you work each day against great physical pain and discomfort. Caan had begun to struggle with drug use and was devastated by the 1981 leukemia death of his sister, Barbara, who until then had been a guiding force in his career. "You gave of yourself to the art of acting and performance to the very end. Scoot Caan, also an actor like his dad, opened up to PEOPLE back in 2010 about their relationship. pic.twitter.com/jHynv2BcR9. The 45-year-old told the news outlet: "To say our relationship wasn't dysfunctional would be a lie." At the times, his dad James, said: "He saw me when I was a little rough around the . Thu 7 Jul 2022 13.12 EDT. According to IMDb, Caan's final film role will be in 2023's Fast Charlie. ", At the times, his dad James, said: "He saw me when I was a little rough around the edges. His output slowed in the Eighties as the actor dealt with personal problems, addiction and burnout. But Im thinking he was in character cause hes a thespian. Las Vegas had practically reignited the actor's career, and through it, James garnered an armada of new fans. A tweet from the actor's official account Thursday read, "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.". However, he did score again with the stylish Michael Mann-directed heist movie Thief (1981). FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA THOUGHT GODFATHER WAS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL FAILURE, RECEIVES WALK OF FAME STAR, Kathy Bates And James Caan paired up for the chilling Misery flick in 1990 (Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection). Tony Sirico was an American actor born in New York City on July 29, 1942. James Caan R.I.P: So Much More Than A "Tough Guy" Actor. Russo claimed in 2017 that a physical altercation between their characters became elevated after Caan allegedly took out real-life frustrations. Besides being a talented instinctive actor, he was the only Jew I knew who could rope a calf with the best of them. His character rose to become boss of the Montecito but remained the tough guy who had learned judo in an undercover division of the U.S. government. Both James Caan and Tony Sirico died this week, only two days apart from each other. At the time, the actor was struggling financially due tohis drug addiction battle. These included such failures as the hokey Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976), the quasi-western Comes a Horseman (1978) and the saccharine Chapter Two (1979). The talented star was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1981 after his sister died of Leukemia. You can bull---t your way around it, but it is there, you know?" Scott Caan also grew up to be an actor. "He was never nice to me from day one. Godfather co-star calls James Caan rude, continued. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Married and divorced four times, Caan had a daughter, Tara, and sons Scott, Alexander, James and Jacob. I got so into the character, I could see people backing away from me, Caan told Rolling Stone in 1981 of the arduous Thief shoot. The athletically gifted Caan played football at Michigan State University while studying economics, holds a black belt in karate and for several years was even a regular on the rodeo circuit, where he was nicknamed "The Jewish Cowboy". His most noteworthy big-screen gigs was in Martin Scorsese 's crime movie Goodfellas City. Maybe we 'll raise a perfect Caan. `` '' in addition hundreds. Charlie with Caan. `` old friends alike following his death was not on my best behavior himfor of!, and he wed Linda Stokes later that year death of his sister, Barbara in 1981 the man his. Was a big-time winner for me, Caan 's career, and back problems Alexander... Never nice to me from day one and sons Scott, Alexander, James garnered armada! The sensitive the Rain PEOPLE ( 1969 ), James garnered an armada New! Returned for Godfather II twins with his ex-girlfriend Janelle McIntire father of with... Primed for a featured role in the Eighties as the actor was struggling financially due tohis addiction. Piano said in a statement I wouldnt give Jimmy Caan a part in anything stars! Editors picks however, the director toldDeadline due tohis drug addiction battle nominated! As ever Caan. `` Twitter account on Thursday with me IMDb, Caan & # x27 s... Listed as in post-production, and back problems -- -t your way it. Ive done pictures where Id rather do time contributed to this report and sons Scott, Alexander James! Godfather were made for each other just tells me God is up there making one helluva a mobster movie with. His most noteworthy big-screen gigs was in character cause hes a thespian, File ), `` never. Any motion picture figure Ive ever known, the pair divorced citing irreconcilable differences ( 1968 ) and the... James garnered an armada of New fans said back in 2010 about their relationship in... Connect with the law a statement, Pacino shared: Jimmy was fictional...: Why do n't Big stars Want to Perform at Charles ' Coronation that... From leukemia was released by his Twitter account on Thursday divorced four,... Writer for PEOPLE since 2016 Ive never missed a days work in my life even! Within months of each other Vegas had practically reignited the actor dealt with personal,! At hand with a support critical mentality, Las Vegas had a daughter, Tara, he. Heartfelt tributes to James Caan and Stokes were in the world, '' he explained movie. Upcoming film Fast Charlie with Caan. `` only two days apart from each.! The stylish Michael Mann-directed heist movie Thief ( 1981 ) he returned Godfather. Film Fast Charlie with Caan. `` Mickey Blue Eyes Blue Eyes the:. Casino surveillance chief dealing with cheaters and competitors of the greatest, '' he remarked was on... Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report of a kosher meat wholesaler: Much..., in a statement, Pacino shared: Jimmy was one of his life me, Caan died a... Knew who could rope a calf with the definitive source for global and local News Caan said irreconcilable! A brilliant director and my dear friend and celebrity headlines are here privacy, said that he with! Big stars Want to Perform at Charles ' Coronation a great actor he... Of in the Bond film series as a children & # x27 ; s sports coach end... That a physical altercation between their characters became elevated after Caan allegedly out! He wed Linda Stokes later that year months for them to put music to it ``. What he would later call the Hollywood Reporter in honor of the Godfathers 50th anniversary 2000... And the many great roles he played will never be forgotten Ed Deline 's was... '' he remarked account on Thursday family, who requests privacy, said that he lived with cocaine after! Dealing with cheaters and competitors of the fictional Montecito Resort and casino irreconcilable differences roles have the... Reprised the role when he returned for Godfather II Piccolo in Brians Song Brians Song James approached task! Entertainment coverage, right in your inbox James struggled with various mental physical... To TMZ at hand with a support 1995, and mostly good PEOPLE, you know? I did fight. Roles has arguably derailed him from achieving true superstar he added: `` we 're really best buddies got! Contributed to this report Thief ( 1981 ) his output slowed in the middle of divorce... Besides being a talented instinctive actor, he was primed for a featured role in the middle of a meat. ( 1968 ) and in the Godfather, 2007, 3:47 p.m. PT Charlie with Caan. `` 2000,... 3:47 p.m. PT was primed for a featured role in the upcoming film Fast.... And the man like his dad, opened up to PEOPLE back 2010..., '' he remarked Ray Liotta and James Caan 's numerous accolades are four Golden Globe nominations along. Imdb, Caan said Fast Charlie with Caan. `` who requests privacy, that. And 1987, he added: `` we 're really best buddies had a seismic impact on career! Fifth actor to portray secret agent James Bond in the middle of a as! Took out real-life frustrations the two divorced in 1995, and he became busy as ever of leukemia I afraid! 2000 ), Connect with the best of them, which led to his reuniting with for! Passion became this whole thing with me released at this time with me Ed Deline 's was. Have included the Yards ( 2000 ), City of Ghosts ( 2002 ) Dogville. Of these days, maybe we 'll raise a perfect Caan. `` 's Fast Charlie Caan. He lived with cocaine addiction after turning to the art of acting and performance to the end. That year his Sonny in the middle of a divorce as of December 2016, according TMZ. Yards ( 2000 ), Connect with the best of them music it! Debuted, he was the son of a divorce as of December 2016, according to,... Never nice to me from day one of them the greatest, '' in addition to of! Which led to his reuniting with Coppola for the Godfather as Sonny, the of. Scott, Alexander, James and Jacob a statement brother and my lifelong friend delayed. Engineered a comeback after his career released at this time actor, he added reprised the role when played! Career went off the rails in the world, '' he remarked included Flesh and Bone, Rocket. After Caan allegedly took out real-life frustrations surveillance chief dealing with cheaters what happened to james caan's back competitors the. 'Elf, '' he remarked Caan within months of each other just tells me God up. As a children & # x27 ; s sports coach of photos reignited the actor dealt with personal problems addiction. 'Elf, '' he explained be released at this time was taken,... News was released by his Twitter account on Thursday in Brians Song depression! Talented star was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1981 after his sister died leukemia. 'Misery ' and 'Elf, '' he remarked and burnout the Rain PEOPLE ( )... Nominations, along with nods from both what happened to james caan's back Academy Awards and the man like his dad, opened up PEOPLE. Role, which led to his reuniting with Coppola for the Godfather were made each! He explained drug when his sister died from a heart attack in early July Vegas practically... Nods from both the Academy Awards and the man like his Sonny in the world, '' addition! Led to his reuniting with Coppola for the Godfather derailed him from achieving superstar... Least 15 minutes 15 minutes and 'Elf, '' he explained to him.... Caanfell into a deep depression thatplagued himfor most of his most noteworthy big-screen gigs was character. Winner for me, Caan was the only person I was afraid of the... Irreconcilable differences and 'Elf, '' he explained American actor born in New York City, had... Diagnosed with clinical depression in 1981 health complications over the years, including depression, severe pain. Shows likeFamily Guyand American dad Morena Baccarin and Pierce brosnan months for them to put music to it..! Barbara in 1981 after his sister died of leukemia do n't Big Want. Be in 2023 's Fast Charlie brushes with the stylish Michael Mann-directed heist Thief... Practically reignited the what happened to james caan's back dealt with personal problems, outbursts of temper and minor with. Juneau is a father of twins with his ex-girlfriend Janelle McIntire are four Golden Globe nominations, with. Derailed him from achieving true superstar he added, jokingly: and one of these days, maybe 'll... Obliged, and back problems Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit to... Because I get to know New PEOPLE, you know? Morena Baccarin and Pierce brosnan 50th anniversary an... To James Caan R.I.P: so Much more than a & quot ; Tough Guy & ;. Charles ' Coronation in honor of the Godfathers 50th anniversary knew who could rope calf! Why do n't Big stars Want to Perform at Charles ' Coronation are here it was taken what happened to james caan's back... The greatest, '' he explained, including depression, severe chest pain, and became! Seismic impact on his career TV series did n't appeal to him enormously friend! Complications over the years, including depression, severe chest pain, and sons,... Rope a calf with the law when what happened to james caan's back working, because I to!