James Caan, ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Misery’ Star, Dies at 82

 Oscar-nominated actor James Kane of 'The Godfather', 'Masiri' and 'Elf' has died at the age of 82.

 

 From 'The Godfather' to 'Elf', these are James Kane's most famous characters.

 From 'The Godfather' to 'Elf', these are James Kane's most famous characters 01:13

 (CNN) Veteran screen actor James Kane, best known for his work in films such as "The Godfather," "Missy" and "Elf," has died, his family said on their confirmed Twitter account. Said in a statement. He was 82 years old.

 "It is with great sadness that we inform you of Jimmy's death on the evening of July 6," the statement said. "The family appreciates the expression of love and heartfelt condolences and says you must respect their privacy during this difficult time."

 He did not give a cause of death.

 Ken first rose to fame with Chicago Bears halfback Brian Piccolo in the 1971 TV movie "Bryan's Song", which was widely watched. The tearful film describes Piccolo's real-life battle with terminal cancer and praises him for treating the racial friendship between Piccolo and a black partner, Gale Sayers.

 Ken, right, with co-star El Pacino in & quot; The Godfather & quot;

 Ken, well, with co-star El Pacino in "The Godfather."

 His next film, The Godfather of 1972, starred Kane. Although not Italian, Kane was cast as the hot-headed Sony Corleone, the eldest of the three sons of bully Veto Corleone, who was ambushed and shot dead by rival thugs at a toll booth. Had done

 In a 2021 interview for "CBS Sunday Morning", Kane said that his personality is based on the late comedian Don Wrickles.

 "It wasn't copying Don Wrickles. It was driving, that thing, you know? I was just stuck in it," he said of his performance.

 This role earned him an Oscar nomination. Caan also appeared in the flashback in "The Godfather, Part II".

 The curly-haired actor was known for playing the role of a tough guy in movies like "Thief" and "Roller Ball". But he was a versatile actor who also showed weakness in films like "Missy", a 1990 adaptation of Stephen King about a soft-spoken romantic novelist who was captured by a fanatical fan.

 He is best known to young audiences for his role in the 2003 "Elf", the Christmas story in which he played Will Ferrell's Scrooge-like father, the publisher of a workaholic children's book. Unhappy to know that he has an unusually cheerful son who wears an elf. Pours maple syrup over costume and spaghetti.

 James Kane, right, & quot; Elf & quot; In a scene of

 James Kane, right, in an Elf scene.

 It wasn't a loving character, but Caan, playing the role of a straight man for Ferrell's passionate man, brought a welcome dash of eccentric temperament - and an expression of anger in many narrow-mindedness - which Impressed with the sweetness of the film.

 In the same CBS interview, Kane said he almost turned down the role of "Elf" in the film's title, but Ferrell persuaded him to join the project.

 Ken was born in 1940 to Jewish immigrants in the Bronx Borough of New York City. His father was a butcher. He played football in Michigan State and later began studying acting as a student at Hofstra University, where his classmate was Francis Ford Coppola, director of the "Godfather".

 After appearing in a few Broadway and Off-Dramas, Caan moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960's to begin his film career. Coppola gave him his first role as a draftsman in the 1969 play "The Rain People".

 Ken's 1971 song "Brian's Song" with Billy de Williams.

 Ken with Billy de Williams in the 1971 tragedy "Bryans Song".

 Ken's other memorable films include Howard Hawks' Western "El Dorado", James Tobek's "The Gambler" and "A Bridge to Four" (1977), and Richard Attenborough's World War II epic.

 Later in his career, he appeared on TV with his son Scott Kane in the drama "Las Vegas" and the re-launched "Hawaii Five-0" series.

 Most recently, actor Damian Conrad-Davis played Caan in "The Offer", about making "The Godfather" 2022 Paramount + Menace.

 Entertainment from Hollywood and beyond paid tribute to Caan on Thursday.

 "James Kane. Loved him. Always wanted to be like him. I was glad to know him. I never stopped laughing when I was around this man. His movies were great. We all loved him." Think about your family and send your love, "said Adam Sandler, who worked with Ken in the 2012 comedy" That's My Boy. "

 Comedian Johnny Taylor Jr. tweeted, "Losing Ray Leota and James Kane in each other's months just tells me God is making a Halloween mobster movie."

 Actor Gary Senes said on Twitter, "It is sad to hear that James Kane has passed away. It is heartbreaking for his family and friends. It is great to know him and call him a friend." 

Senice said on Twitter."Jimmy Gary was very supportive of my work with the Seneca Foundation and our veterans. It will be missed. Thanks to my friend. Relax. God bless you.