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

NEW YORK CITY — Film legend James Caan, a native New Yorker famed for his fiery portrayal of Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather," died late Wednesday.

Caan's death was announced Thursday by his official Twitter account.

No cause was given and Caan's family requested privacy.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

End of tweet
— James Caan (@James_Caan) July 7, 2022

Caan was 82.

He was born in the Bronx in 1940 as the son of a kosher meat wholesaler and grew up in Sunnyside, Queens. He was a star athlete and class president at Rhodes High School.

College brought Caan to Michigan State University, where he also played football. But he later transferred to Hofstra University on Long Island, where he fell in love with theater at Hofstra.

Afterward, he attended New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, where he studied under Sanford Meisner.

Caan soon launched a Hollywood career that included such classics as "The Godfather," "Thief," "Misery" and "Elf."

His portrayal of Sonny Corleone earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nomination, along with his "Godfather" co-stars Robert Duvall and Al Pacino.

Patch writer Daniel Hampton and the Associated Press contributed to this report.