‘The Godfather’ Trilogy Cast: How They’ve Aged Over The Years

In the long and storied history of cinema, a select few films have proven their mettle and managed to withstand the test of time — arguably none more so than The Godfather .

This revered and iconic film went on to define a generation, as well as launch the careers of some of Hollywood’s most cherished and beloved actors .

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It’s hard to believe, but it’s been more than 50 years since The Godfather first hit theaters. So for a little taste of nostalgia, let’s have a look at how the cast has aged over the years .

Then: John Cazale

Image credit: Paramount Pictures | Paramount Pictures — Paramount Pictures | Paramount Pictures

John Cazale was an immensely talented character actor, best known for his role as Fredo Corleone in The Godfather . John was an avid chain smoker and tragically passed away at 42 years old after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Then: Talia Shire

Talia absolutely stole the show as Connie Corleone Rizzi, and is easily one of the most memorable supporting characters in the franchise. Her character’s growth, coupled with an outstanding dramatic performance, helped Talia to secure her first-ever Oscar nomination for “Best Actress in a Supporting Role.”

Now: Talia Shire

Image credit: Getty Images | Getty Images | Matt Winkelmeyer — Getty Images | Getty Images | Matt Winkelmeyer

These days, Talia is still going strong and is keeping as busy as she ever was. The Oscar-nominated actress most recently appeared in 2021’s Romancing Brazil and is slated to appear in the upcoming sequel to Chantilly Lace .

Then: Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall portrayed the level-headed Tom Hagen — the Corleone family’s lawyer, trusted friend/confidant, and later on, Michael’s consigliere. A consigliere is an Italian word for Under Boss or the second-in-command of an organized crime family.

Now: Robert Duvall

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Over the years, the Oscar-winning actor has kept busy, though his roles over the past decade have been few and far between. Most recently, Duvall portrayed Rex Merrick — one of the owners of the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team.

Then: Diane Keaton

A young Diane Keaton portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone, Michael’s first love, and second wife. Of the many memorable scenes in The Godfather , one of the unquestionable highlights of the film is when Kay approaches Michael in his office and asks him if he had Connie’s husband killed.

Now: Diane Keaton

Diane is just as much of a screen legend today as she was back then. Diane is currently filming the sequel to Book Club and later this year, you can catch her in the upcoming comedy Mack & Rita , co-starring Wendy Malick, and Elizabeth Lail.

Then: Robert De Niro

In The Godfather Part II , Robert De Niro had the mighty task of portraying a young Vito Corleone. De Niro delivered one of the most memorable performances of his entire career, and went on to win the Academy Award for ” Best Actor in a Supporting Role .”

Now: Robert De Niro

Image credit: Cloudburst Entertainment | Cloudburst Entertainment — Cloudburst Entertainment | Cloudburst Entertainment

Since his time on the set of The Godfather Part II , De Niro has risen to the status of a film icon. His upcoming role in Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is easily his most-anticipated film role in years.

Then: James Caan

Santino “Sonny” Corleone was the oldest of the three trueborn Corleone brothers. Sonny was fearless, brash, and wreckless. His hot temper and inability to see the forest for the trees are what led to his inevitable bloody demise.

Now: James Caan

Earlier this month, the entertainment world lost a true great. On July 6th, 2022, James Caan tragically passed away — he was 82 at the time. As well as portraying Sonny in The Godfather , James will always be remembered as Walter Hobbs in Elf.

Then: Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando is considered to be one of the greatest actors who ever lived, and after seeing him as Don Vito Corleone — it isn’t hard to understand why. His performance is the kind of thing you only see once in a generation.

Now: Marlon Brando

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Marlon Brando’s fall from grace came hard and fast. As the years went by, he became more and more of a recluse. His final film appearance was in 2001’s The Score , and he passed away of a rare respiratory disease at the age of 80.

Then: Al Pacino

Michael Corleone is the role that would go on to define Al Pacino’s historic career. He’s one of only a handful of actors to have appeared in all three films, and each performance is as formidable as the one that preceded it.

Now: Al Pacino

Al Pacino has been nominated for an Academy Award on nine different occasions, securing one win for Scent of a Woman . He is without a doubt one of the greatest acting talents that the world is ever likely to see.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment Movies