Legendary film actor James Caan has passed away at the age of 82. Caan was born on March 26, 1940, in the Bronx. As a young man, he took a shine to acting, dropping out of Hofstra University to study under Stanford Meisner (among others) at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. After taking roles in off-Broadway productions and television shows, he had his first break in film opposite Olivia de Havilland in 1964's Lady in a Cage. After that, he continued to take roles in largely unsuccessful films through the end of the 1960s, including Red Line 7000 and Countdown, an early feature from celebrated director Robert Altman.

Caan is best known for the role that would prove to be his true breakout, portraying Don Corleone's eldest son Sonny in 1972's classic film The Godfather. Included among that legendary film's 11 Oscar nominations was Caan's first and only acting nomination, for Best Supporting Actor. He was also nominated for four Golden Globes throughout his career, for The Godfather, The Glory Guys, The Gambler, and Funny Lady, as well as an Emmy for his earlier TV movie Brian's Song. He would go on to great success, appearing in films as diverse as Dick Tracy, Honeymoon in Vegas, Rollerball, Silent Movie, Misery, and 2003's Elf, in which he played the reluctant father of Will Ferrell's Buddy the Elf.

Today, the estate of James Caan used the actor's official Twitter account to announce that the actor has passed away. Although the causes were not specified, Caan passed away last night, on July 6. According to the statement, his family, "appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time." Take a look at the official announcement below:


Although the actor was previously announced to be participating in the upcoming projects Acre Beyond the Rye and Redemption, it is currently unknown how either production will move forward after this tragic news. It is currently looking like the legendary actor's final performance will be in the 2023 film Fast Charlie, which is currently in post-production. In the film, which was helmed by Dead Calm director Philip Noyce and based on the 2001 Victor Gischler novel Gun Monkeys, Caan stars opposite Pierce Brosnan and Deadpool's Morena Baccarin.

Tributes have already come pouring in on social media, including from Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, who especially lauded his performance in Michael Mann's Thief. One of the most touching tributes so far has come from Misery director Rob Reiner, who said "I loved working with him" and sent love to his family. There are certain to be hundreds more tributes from those who knew him, as James Caan will be sorely missed by his friends, family, and fans.