James Caan Mourned by Hollywood Co-Stars, Friends: ‘Genuine Megawatt Movie Star’
The entertainment industry is remembering the late James Caan, whose death at 82 was announced Thursday morning by his family.
Across his lengthy career, Caan played many memorable roles, including Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” and Brian Piccolo in “Brian’s Song.” He was mourned by his peers as the Hollywood community learned of his death.
Director Spike Lee tweeted “DAMN. We Lost Another Great- @James_Caan. Many Know Jimmy from THE GODFATHER But Please Check Out “Da Work” He Did in THIEF Directed By Michael Mann. Rest in Paradise.”
Also Read:
15 of James Caan’s Most Memorable Roles (Photos)
“RIP a genuine megawatt movie star,” filmmaker Edgar Wright tweeted.
Adam Sandler also remembered Caan, writing, “Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were the best of the best.”
James Caan. Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were best of the best. We all will miss him terribly. Thinking of his family and sending my love. pic.twitter.com/a0q8rCP1Yl
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) July 7, 2022
“What a terrible and tragic loss. Jimmy was not just a great actor with total commitment and a venturesome spirit, but he had a vitality in the core of his being that drove everything from his art and friendship to athletics and very good times,” “Thief” director Michael Mann wrote in a statement on Caan’s death shared with TheWrap. “There was a core of values within him about how people should be, more or less. It might be variable, the corners could be rounded with urban irony, but there was a line and it was non-fungible. And it produced many outrageous and hilarious anecdotes.”
“I loved him and I loved working with him,” Mann’s statement continues. “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. Frank is half Frank, half Jimmy. The character and the man – like his Sonny in The Godfather – were made for each other. Unique. What a loss.”
Also Read:
James Caan, ‘Godfather’ and ‘Thief’ Actor, Dies at 82
Andy Richter, who starred alongside Caan’s Walter Hobbs in “Elf,” wrote about his experience working with the actor.
“RIP James Caan. Shocked,” Richter tweeted. “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,” Richter continued.
RIP James Caan. Shocked. 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
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) July 7, 2022
“Princess Bride” actor Cary Elwes expressed condolences on Twitter, including to James Caan’s son, Scott Caan, writing “Legend… Rest in Power, Jimmy. Our condolences to Scotty and his family.”
Jon Lovitz wrote, “Well, this just sucks about James Caan. I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends. Always a fun guy to be around.”
Well, this just sucks about James Caan. I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends. Always a fun guy to be around. He was always supportive of my career. He even did a cameo in my tv special and got Robert Duvall to be in it. A highlight of my career. God bless James Caan.
— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) July 7, 2022
“Goodbye James Caan,” director Scott Derickson wrote on Twitter. “The passing of a legend.”
“A great actor has left us,” actor Antonio Banderas wrote. “Deepest condolences to all of his family and loved ones. RIP @James_Caan“
“Jesus, I loved James Caan,” wrote actor Jon Donahue on Twitter. “Such an incredible, brilliant actor. I’ll miss seeing him in the movies.”
Also Read:
James Caan’s Legacy: The Intense Actor Saw Hollywood Change – and Change Again
Here are more tributes from the Hollywood community:
James Caan was an icon – a legend. He inspired everyone who has ever been in front of a camera. I was lucky to work with him and see his talent and his fantastic sense of humor firsthand. He was a great training partner in the gym and a true friend, and I’ll miss him.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) July 7, 2022
They don’t make actors like this anymore!
Rest In Peace
James Caan#KidVicious— KID VICIOUS
(@kirkacevedo) July 7, 2022
Ugh. I just saw him speak at the Godfather 50 with Francis and Talia and he was as spirited and fiery as ever. What a giant. pic.twitter.com/9GBMpf2IPF
— Alex Winter (@Winter) July 7, 2022
RIP James Caan.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) July 7, 2022
Oh man. RIP.
The times I had the luxury of sharing laughter with you I will always cherish.
What an actor!
What a character!— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) July 7, 2022
Very sad to hear the news that James Caan has died. Heartbroken for his family & his friends. Wonderful to know him & call him a pal. Jimmy was so supportive of Gary Sinise Foundation & my work w/ our veterans. He will be missed. Thank you my friend. Rest In Peace. God bless you pic.twitter.com/BJYJkSepOW
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) July 7, 2022
We were lucky enough to work with James Caan on Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. He brought a pathos and authenticity to the role of Tim Lockwood that held the film together. RIP to a legend pic.twitter.com/tmk3JdOgE3
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) July 7, 2022
We celebrate the life and career of @James_Caan and send condolences to his family. From Brian's Song to The Godfather to Misery and Elf, Jimmy's celluloid legacy lives on. #sagaftramember since 1960. https://t.co/2Yfk7JWeKG
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 7, 2022
“Like it or not, this is your movie. Nobody else’s. Now quit fuckin’ around and direct.”
- James Caan, in some Utah parking lot. 1999.
Thank you, Jimmy, for teaching me the fine art of adjudication and for setting me on the path. And thank you most of all for being The Dream.— Christopher McQuarrie (@chrismcquarrie) July 7, 2022