James Caan, Legendary 'Godfather' Actor, Dies At 82

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Oscar-nominated actor James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather," died Wednesday evening, according to an announcement posted to his official Twitter account. He was 82.

A cause of death was not immediately released.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the announcement on Caan's account said. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."

Caan was born in the Bronx in 1940 and grew up in Sunnyside, Queens. He attended P.S. 150 40-01 43rd Avenue School in Queens, at the private Rhodes Preparatory School, and later studied economics at Michigan State University, where he also played football. Caan later transferred to Hofstra University on Long Island, but did not graduate.

He fell in love with theater at Hofstra, though, and enrolled at New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.

Caan was best known for his roles playing Frank in the 1981 flick "Thief," as well as playing Paul Sheldon in the 1990 film "Misery" and as Jonathan E. in the 1975 film "Rollerball."

He was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role for his portrayal of Sonny Corleone in the 1972 film "The Godfather." A year earlier, Caan was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding single performance by an actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Brian Piccolo in the made-for-TV movie "Brian's Song."

In Coppola's film "The Godfather," Caan was initially cast to play the central role of Michael Corleone. Caan ultimately played the hot-headed Sonny, and the role of Michael went to Al Pacino.

Caan immersed himself in the role so much and for so many years, that strangers would tell him, "Hey, don’t go through that tollbooth again," according to The New York Times.

In 2003, Caan put on a memorable performance as "Walter," whose hard heart is ultimately softened by Will Ferrell's "Buddy" in the hit Christmas classic "Elf."

Tributes poured in from fellow actors, writers and fans, some of whom remembered him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

"So sorry to hear the news," tweeted actor and comedian Rob Reiner. "I loved working with him."

"RIP James Caan, who channeled tough-guy vulnerability like no other actor in his generation," tweeted Sean Fennessey, head of content at The Ringer. " I *loved* watching him explode and fall apart in movies."

Filmmaker James Gunn said that of the many movies he loves, "The Godfather" films were "of course being at the very top." He added that he particularly adores "Thief," which is a "Gunn family classic."

"I had the poster on my wall in high school," Gunn tweeted.

Actor Jon Lovitz said Caan was "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," Lovitz tweeted.