The entertainment world is shining a little less brightly after the tragic passing of Hollywood legend, James Caan . The Oscar-nominated actor was 82 years old at the time of his passing.
In the time that’s followed, social media has seen an outpouring of support and remembrances for the beloved actor. Have a look below as Hollywood mourns one of its own and pays tribute to James Caan .
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The iconic Academy Award-nominated actor, James Caan, has sadly passed away.
James was best known for his Oscar-worthy performance as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather , and for portraying Walter Hobbs in the beloved Christmas movie, Elf . James was 82 years old at the time of his passing.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” read a tweet from Caan’s official account.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
No official cause of death has been determined at this time.
The revered actor’s health had been in a state of deterioration for some time. In 2015, Caan was rushed to the hospital and treated for a chest infection. For the last three years, Caan had been forced to rely on wheelchairs and walkers to get around.
In the wake of his death, there has been an outpouring of support and sympathy from those who knew him best.
Filmmaker Rob Reiner directed Caan in the adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery . The film was a commercial as well as a critical success and helped Kathy Bates nab her first and only Oscar for “Best Actress.”
“James Caan swooping in during the flashback scene at the end of ‘The Godfather Part II’ is one of the all-time great star reveals,” James Urbaniak tweeted.
“You can practically hear the audience cheering. RIP to a real one .”
Matt Reeves, director of ‘Cloverfield’ and ‘The Batman’, offered his sincerest sympathies as well.
Towering doesn’t even begin to describe the star power of someone like James Caan. The man was a living legend and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
“Brilliant actor,” Piers Morgan chimed in.
“Loved him as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, such a ferocious, menacing, magnificent performance . Met him once at a party in LA and he was a very funny & highly entertaining man. Sad news.”
Author and former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, also saw fit to comment on James’ passing.
A recurring theme you’ll begin to see with these posts (aside from the adoration of The Godfather ) is the kindness of James Caan.
“RIP James Caan. Shocked,” Andy Richter tweeted out.
“Was lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a person even more. Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented . They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong.”
John Cusack kept things short and sweet in his tribute to the fallen star.
John and James starred opposite one another in 1998’s This Is My Father . It’s one of Caan’s lesser-celebrated films, but more than worth the watch.
Comedian Jon Lovitz called working with Caan the highlight of his career.
“Well, this just sucks about James Caan,” Jon’s tweet began. “I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends. Always a fun guy to be around.”
One of the most heartfelt and sincere tributes came courtesy of director James Gunn.
James Gunn helped to make the MCU what it is today. He directed both of The Guardians of the Galaxy films and is currently attached to the Peacemaker TV series.
“Rest In Peace James Caan,” Gunn tweeted.
“There are so many movies of his I love , The Godfather films of course being at the very top, but here are a few more I adore ( Thief in particular[sic] was a Gunn family classic — I had the poster on my wall in high school).”
Filmmaker Edgar Wright was quick to remind everyone that James was so much more than just ‘The Godfather’.
I know I’ve already mentioned my love for Misery , but I can’t forget about Honeymoon in Vegas , either. It’s a true classic.
So I suppose all that’s left to say is “thank you.”
Thank you, James, thank you for all that you’ve given your fans and the world of cinema as a whole. Rest in peace knowing that your legacy will live on and never be forgotten.
