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James Caan was remembered for his legendary body of work as tributes flooded social media Thursday following the death of the “Godfather” actor.
Caan died Wednesday, according to his family. He was 82.
Caan’s family released a statement announcing his death on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the statement said. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
JAMES CAAN, ‘GODFATHER’ STAR DEAD AT 82, FAMILY SAYS
“Godfather” actor James Caan, pictured here in 2017, died Wednesday. The legendary actor starred in “Misery” and “Elf,” in addition to hundreds of other roles found on IMDb.
(Michael Kovac)
Al Pacino spoke to Fox News Digital Thursday about Caan’s death.
“Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring,” Pacino said. “A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I loved him, gonna miss him.”
Added Robert De Niro: “I’m very, very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing.”
Francis Ford Coppola also released a statement about Caan’s death.
“Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure I’ve ever known,” Coppola said. “From those earlier times working together on ‘The Rain People’ and throughout all the milestones of my life, his films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. He will always be my old friend from Sunnyside, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.”
Kathy Bates told Fox News Digital: “I can’t believe Jimmy’s gone. Working with him on ‘Misery’ was one of the most profound experiences of my career. When you watch his performance, his terror, it’s as though he’s watching a snake. Brilliant. So many memories flooding back today. Jimmy saying, ‘Let’s get the most hyper guy in Hollywood and make him stay in bed for 15 weeks.’ We were so excited when we got to shoot in the dining room. He was kind. Hilarious. He would have something insightfully funny to say right now. I’m bereft. Sending all my love to the Caan family.”
“James was a good man, a kind man, a family man, and a wildly gifted man — whose great talent will always be loved and remembered,” Talia Shire, who starred as Connie Corleone in “The Godfather” films, said. “My prayers are with his family that he treasured so dearly.”
“So sorry to hear the news,” Rob Reiner wrote on Twitter. “I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family.”
Adam Sandler wrote: “Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were best of the best. We all will miss him terribly. Thinking of his family and sending my love.”
AL PACINO REFLECTS ON ‘THE GODFATHER’ FAME 50 YEARS LATER: ‘HARD FOR ME TO COPE WITH’
Barbra Streisand tweeted a photo with Caan, and wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented. #JamesCaan
Billy Dee Williams, who starred with Caan in “Brian’s Song” in 1971, shared a photo with the late actor, and wrote: “Team Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy.”
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“Princess Bride” actor Cary Elwes shared an image of Caan in his famous Sonny Corleone character, and wrote: “Legend… Rest in Power, Jimmy. Our condolences to Scotty and his family.”
“Well this just sucks about James Caan. I was lucky enough to work with him & be friends,” Jon Lovitz tweeted. “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.”
Gary Sinise tweeted: “Very sad to hear the news that James Caan has died. Heartbroken for his family & his friends. Wonderful to know him & call him a pal. Jimmy was so supportive of Gary Sinise Foundation & my work w/ our veterans. He will be missed. Thank you my friend. Rest In Peace. God bless you.”
Richard Lewis memorialized his friend online: “Oh man. RIP. The times I had the luxury of sharing laughter with you I will always cherish. What an actor! What a character!”
“Rest in Peace James Caan,” director James Gunn wrote. “There are so many movies of his I love, The Godfather films of course being at the very top, but here are a few more I adore (Thief in particular was a Gunn family classic — I had the poster on my wall in high school.)”
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Brent Spiner wrote: “I once passed James Caan in the commissary at Paramount Pictures. He looked me over in my Data makeup and uniform and uttered just one word, ‘Working?’ Honored. RIP.”
“Law & Order: SVU” star Ice T tweeted: “Damn! @James_Caan passed away.. He was the star of my Favorite move ever. And many more. Respect RIP.”
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Fox News’ Larry Fink contributed to this report.
