James Caan dies

The Godfather star was 82

by Jennie Kermode

James Caan
James Caan Photo: Georges Biard

James Caan, star of The Godfather, Misery, Dogville and many more hits, died on Wednesday night at the age of 82, his family has revealed. The Bronx-born son of a butcher, he rose to stardom in the early 1960 with a string of well chosen TV roles and went on to get his big break in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rain People. The two, who met at university, reunited to bring the story of the Corleone clan to the big screen, but subsequently fell out after a disagreement over a cut scene. Roles in The Gambler and Rollerball kept Caan in the spotlight and he continued to work right through until the end of his life. His final film, Fast Charlie, is due to be released next year.

Politically, Caan was a committed Conservative and a strong advocate of right wing causes. He was a supporter of Donald Trump and sometimes attracted controversy with his outspoken opinions. He also dedicated his time to supporting up-and-coming filmmakers.

The cause of Caan's death has not been revealed and his family has requested privacy at this difficult time. He is survived by four sons and one daughter.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film