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.
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.
"The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult 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.
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."
"You can practically hear the audience cheering. RIP to a real one."
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.
"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."
A recurring theme you'll begin to see with these posts (aside from the adoration of The Godfather) is the kindness of James Caan.
"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 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.
"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."
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.
"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)."
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.
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.
