It was like, yeah, I just was locked into that.". 3:25. "I was depressed when I was making them. Nicholas Rice is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. We all will miss him terribly. I said, 'Can't do it. ", "First of all, I had lifts in my goddamn shoes," Caan said. After the death of his sister, Barbara in 1981 from leukemia, Caan fell into a deep depression that plagued him for most of his life. Very kind to me. After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. What James Caan wants is respect. CELEBRITY NEWS. But sadly, back in 1981 he was diagnosed with clinical depression after his sister died of leukemia. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", "It was good, it was very rewarding," said Caan. There are no other details about his demise that are known to the public. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. But it wasn't till he lost his beloved sister that he decided to turn his life around On July 7, 2022, the world lost a well-loved artist with the passing of James Caan. The only four-letter word he really objects to is fame. Editor: Joseph Frandino. He told the New York Times in 1991 that after his sisters death: I realized passion is such an important thing to have in life because it ends so soon, and my passion was to grow up with my son.. He also admitted to fighting a cocaine addiction for nearly a decade and recalled feeling hopeless while on the set of several films. The actor tied the knot for the final time in 1995 to a woman named Linda Stokes, and the couple welcomed two sons, James Arthur Caan and Jacob Nicholas Caan. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Nicholas has previous work experience with Billboard, POPSUGAR, Bustle and Elite Daily. "Pumps you up, man! On Friday, Tom's . His career spanned over 50 years but he was perhaps best known for his role as Santino Sonny Corleone in the 1972 film The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. In the early 90s, Caan married Ingrid Hajek and they had a son together, Alexander James Caan. He said: "I had some wonderful people, like Rob Reiner and those guys, God bless them. (L-R): Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, and James Caan from 'The Godfather'. So happy I got to know him. He received a motion pictures star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978. The actor, whose roles included The Godfather, Brian's Song and Misery, died Wednesday, July 6, at age 82. RADAR and RADARONLINE are registered trademarks. ", It's a creed that's paid off for Caan and this tough guy with a tender heart is not ready to say goodbye to Hollywood: "I want to do a good piece of work. "Like, take it easy? Caan and Stokes were in the middle of a divorce as of December 2016, according to TMZ. ", "Well, lemme tell ya' somethin': There's a tree over there, and we used to say, 'I'll meet you at the forest, okay?' The actor, perhaps most famous for his role as Sonny in The Godfather, had a rough time after his sister died from leukemia in 1981. ", Plus, Molly Sims, who played Caan's daughter on Las Vegas, wrote on Instagram, "I could not be more proud than to have played his daughter. This was just . His son, Scott Caan, talked his dad into a guest role on his hit TV show, "Hawaii Five-0.". 'Godfather' star reveals his 'numerous' ailments have left him 'in poor health.' By Radar Staff Godfather star and screen icon James Caan is a medical mess hunched over and badly bruised and an expert fears the actor is stricken with severe health issues that could trigger sudden death. Or $0.00 with a Paramount+ trial on Prime Video Channels. Other health ordeals that have struck James Caan over the years include a health scare in 2015, which saw him rushed to hospital with chest pain, according to TMZ. He later reprised the role when he returned for Godfather II. I lost my sister when it happened.". However, he was able to be saved when his friend, director Rob Reiner, offered him a role in the psychological thriller film, Misery, in 1989. He was also known for appearances on television, perhaps most notably for starring as Ed Deline in the series Las Vegas, which ran for five seasons on NBC from 2003 to 2008. Actor James Caan spent most of his life in front of a camera. "I had a bad bout with cocaine for a little while. James passed away on July 6, 2022, at the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. James Edmund Caan was an athletic kid from the Bronx, the son of German . Jen Juneau is a digital news writer for PEOPLE since 2016. James Edmund Caan was an American actor who was nominated for four Golden Globes, one Emmy, and one Oscar. He went on to earn an Oscar nomination for the part. James Caan 's cause of death has been revealed. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.. "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6," a tweet from James' official account posted. ", "So, why do you want to keep working?" He reportedly had a back operation last year as well, and had to spend time in a wheelchair after surgery. "I was depressed when I was making them. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 andjo@samaritans.org. "I was depressed when I was making them. Prime Video. While his time in the greatest nightclub in the world was short, it had a profound impact on Caan, who left after only a year. He was a good guy., READ MORE:'Stay away': Covid symptoms have 'transpired into lots of other symptoms' warns doctor, A post shared by Pierce Brosnan (@piercebrosnanofficial). Photo by Jean_Nelson / Depositphotos.com. His movies were best of the best. Costar Josh Duhamel said on his Instagram Story Thursday that "mentor" Caan was the "kindest" and "funniest. Jul. Yeah, its unusual to have a second act, he said. asked Mankiewicz. Speaking of James Caan’s ailments, the actor had a chest infection in 2015 and was rushed to the hospital. New health fears for frail star of The Godfather 2020-02-27 - By News Reporter AILING James Caan cuts a frail figure as he heads for a meal at a top restaurant. Academy Award-nominated actor James Caan and Rich Eisen discuss the 50th anniversary of the release of 'The Godfather' and reveals that the movie studio orig. Tom Sizemore, the actor known for portraying Mike Horvath in "Saving Private Ryan," has died, Fox News Digital confirmed.He was 61. Godfather star James Caan looked typically suave in a blue suit jacket as he uses a walker to get to his car after grabbing dinner with friends in California, on Friday.. The talented star was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1981 after his sister died of Leukemia. Votes: 216,424 | Gross: $61.28M. He was a sweet guy. James' legs looked thin and weak as he struggled to hold himself up. Movie tough guy James Caan, whose work spanned generations in such big-screen classics as "The . Clad in a baseball cap and camouflage jacket, the wheelchair-bound tough guy actor, 79, was pushed by his youngest son Jacob, 21, to the Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles. So happy I got to know him," the comedian wrote. I will miss him dearly and am proud to have worked with him all these years. The news of Caan's . Five years later came "Brian's Song," a TV movie with Caan as Brian Piccolo, a terminally-ill football player. TMZ reported that he has since been buried at Eden Memorial Park in California. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. "There are pictures I made that I still haven't seen, Caan told the New York Times. He was a good guy," Baldwin added. That was the way to get girls.. ", While a cause of death was not made immediately available, Baldwin said of Caan, whom he starred with on multiple episodes of Las Vegas, that Caan's assistant Mike Kijanski was "one of a handful of people who kept Jimmy alive the last five years, because Jimmy's health was not great.". Bronx-born Caan was the child of Jewish immigrants from Germany Sophie Falkenstein and Arthur Caan, a kosher . The actor leaves behind five adult children and an untouchable legacy in Hollywood; however, some things he might want to stay hidden. "I mean, Mitchum is 6'2", Wayne's 6'4", so I have the lifts in my shoes.". James Caan, the legendary Godfather actor who died July 6 at the age of 82, succumbed to a heart attack and coronary artery disease.. James certainly couldn't. Caan was also known for appearances on television perhaps most notably for starring as Ed Deline in the dramedy series Las Vegas, which ran for five seasons on NBC from 2003 to 2008. That was big-time winners for me," he shared. James Caan has suffered several other health ordeals over the years, including a chest infection (Image: Getty Images) READ MORE Michael Caine: Star's spinal condition can cause 'paralysis'- symptoms Luckily the pain wasnt a heart attack. You will be so missed. Distractify is a registered trademark. spoke with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, penned a touching tribute to the late actor on Twitter. All rights reserved. Caan didn't care much for Hollywood after "Thief." One of three siblings, Caan began acting on television in 1961. I'm frustrated, I'd love to do a real character. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. He was 82. Remembering James Caan Launch Gallery. The talented star was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1981 after his sister died of Leukemia. "Godfather" star James Caan died early this month at the age of 82 of a heart attack and arterial disease, according to his death certificate. Actor Pierce Brosnan posted photos on Instagram from his work with James Caan on the set of one of the late actor's final projects, "Fast Charlie." "On the set of the movie 'Fast Charlie . "They took me right away; I was supposed to have three interviews, and I only had one. Caan is perhaps most famous for his role as the hot-headed Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. He once told the New York Times in an interview: "There are pictures I made that I still haven't seen. James Caan had an extraordinary film career that spanned six decades and was best known for his unforgettable role as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather.". Moreover, if you are struggling with drug use, the charity Frank has a web-page where you can find local services to provide counseling here: Find support near you. Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola. Actor James Caan attend the "For The Boys" Los Angeles Premiere in November 1991. There were girls. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. ", James Caan. July 11, 2021 / 9:40 AM / CBS News. Then, a big break at 26, playing a cocky sidekick to a couple of men he looked up to, literally John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in the 1966 western, "El Dorado. Hef didn't want me to leave because I guess I brought a lot of levity to the place,, But the constant nightlife took a toll on the actor, who said he even contemplated suicide while living in the mansion because he figured his life wasnt getting any better than this.. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The Godfather star, who was 82, was spotted last year needing the aid to get to his car after grabbing dinner with friends in West Hollywood. That was a big-time winner for me, Caan said. And I loved him. The exact cause of death hasnt been made available but in recent years the star had been seen needing help to get around. Hollywood's iconic leading man James Caan, who rose to fame in the 1970s with his role as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather," died Wednesday at age 82.. Alec Baldwin has joined the long list of celebrities that have shared their memories of the late actor James Caan, who he referred to as . The actor, who starred in films such as Elf and The Godfather, had a considerable net worth that also reflected the various projects he completed throughout the years. The Godfather actor also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is also known as COPD, as well as congestive heart failure. You have parties. Putting the speculation to bed, the Oscar-nominated star insured us that he felt "better than ever" at the time. His family announced his death earlier in July on the . When James Caan agreed to be in her movie, director Carol Morley found herself on a rollercoaster ride. He pushed a lot of people, including himself, as a 16-year-old freshman football player at Michigan State University. After 22 years of marriage, the pair . The 82-year-old Godfather icon looked fit as a fiddle back in March, leaving zero indication it might be his last time on the red carpet. Grief and depression can be tricky to distinguish. By David K. Li and Diana Dasrath. I play ball, I want a respect, you know? The destructive habit eventually led to money troubles by the latter half of the decade and Caan ran the risk of possibly losing his house at one point. The Godfather sta You were an inspiration to me as young actor starting out and an even greater one as a man watching you work each day against great physical pain and discomfort. The immediate cause of death was myocardial infarction. It's like you're in a hallway and you can't get out.". Story produced by Gabriel Falcon. The long-time actor was born in 1940 in the Bronx of New York to Jewish immigrant parents from Germany. ", Caan's inspiration came from an unlikely source: "I was thinking of my friend, Don Rickles," he said. Alec Baldwin is remembering James Caan as a "real sweetheart." In a nearly seven-minute video posted to Instagram Friday, the 64-year-old actor expressed condolences for Caan's family and recalled . (though I'm not sure he felt the same lol) He was a legend. Additionally, "Jimmy Caan, he taught me how to swear," said Baldwin with a laugh. You're James Caan! Other health ordeals that have struck James Caan over the years include a health scare in 2015, which saw him rushed to hospital with chest pain . People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Caan died from a heart attack and coronary artery disease at age 82, states the document, first obtained by TMZ. The doctors said he had a chest infection and it was not a heart attack. And, like of a lot of the modest men we feature, his significant other is taller than him. James Caan's cause of death has been revealed. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz asked the actor, "So, let me ask you a question ", "You've been f****** asking me questions all day long!". After their divorce in 1966, Caan married a former girlfriend of Elvis Presley, Sheila Marie Ryan, but their relationship was short-lived and only lasted a year. ALL FREE. James Caan's Short Marriages. He was rushed to a Toronto hospital because of chest pain in 2015, per TMZ. I paid for it!". In the UK, the NHS recommends talking to a friend or family member, or health professional. Sue Nicholls health: Star's 'dangerous' cancer was spotted by viewer. Baldwin also said Caan was much nicer in real life than his intimidating characters might otherwise suggest, calling him a "real sweetheart." James Caan in 1974's 'The Gambler' Photofest. "I went to the Neighborhood Playhouse, and I got accepted there," he said. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, James Caan was diagnosed with clinical depression following the death of his beloved sister, Barbara in 1981, He lived a party lifestyle for many years and became known throughout Hollywood for his cocaine usage, At one point, after a divorce left him homeless, Hugh Hefner invited James to live in the Playboy Mansion, where he stayed for a year, James is perhaps best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in the 1972 film The Godfather, He would later star in films such as the physiological thriller Misery and the endearing Christmas movie, Elf, Inside James Caans drug addiction and depression battle after The Godfather star lived at Playboy Mansion, Amy Duggar slammed for SNUBBING cousin Jessa after she posts new photos inside pregnant Jill's baby shower, Kim Kardashian accused of LYING to fans in new Allure interview after she insists she's NEVER gotten lip fillers, Venga Boys unrecognisable as they perform at 90s legends festival, Kris Jenner admits she doesn't know all her 11 grandchildren's names and birthdays in shocking confession, The Godfather star James Caan looked frail & used a walker in tragic last photos taken before icon's sudden death at 82, James Bay reveals secret art ambitions as he talks new album Leap, Little People's Zach and Tori Roloff slammed for 'dangerous' parenting move during car ride with son Jackson, 5. The actor filed for divorce from Stokes in 2005, but the two later reconciled. ", READ MORE:Covid: The key symptom that could help distinguish between the virus and hay fever. He was 61. Trying to write but find that you're blocked? Caan moved out of the mansion in fear that he would never be able to live in the real world again if he overstayed his welcome. Always wanted to be like him. RELATED VIDEO: Pierce Brosnan Shares Photos of James Caan from Set of Late Actor's Final Film: 'You Were an Inspiration'. Tom Sizemore, best known for his roles in military action dramas Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, is dead following his hospitalization due to a brain aneurysm. The actor also won an Emmy for playing NFL running back Brian Piccolo in the tear-jerker Brians Song, among a number of major roles in films likeElfand the television series Las Vegas. No cause was given. "It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore ("Tom Sizemore") aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Joseph's Hospital Burbank," Sizemore's representative Charles Lago said in a statement to Fox News . That was big-time winners for me.". To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Caan death was confirmed with a tweet from his official page, reading: It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Caan, 46, best known for his role in 'The Godfather,' was reported in good condition after his car veered off a winding West Los Angeles road and smashed into a tree early Thursday morning . The Los Angeles County Coroner announced on Saturday, July 23, 2022, that the actor died from a heart attack and coronary artery disease. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz asked the actor, "So, let me ask you a question . Mankiewicz asked, "Would you want your other kids to go into the business, too? But James struggled with various mental and physical health complications over the years, including depression, severe chest pain, and back problems. ", "I can't 'take it easy,'" he replied. He also admitted to fighting a cocaine addiction for nearly a decade and recalled feeling hopeless while on the set of several films. James gave the world such a wide variety of art that there is a film for every feeling. Following Barbaras death, Caan became a frequent partier throughout the 1980s, becoming well-known in Hollywood for his cocaine usage. It would be a disservice to Caan to limit his legacy to a famous role, though, no matter . Sad Last Days: James Caan 'Felt Better Than Ever' Before Death As Mystery Swirls Around His Sudden Passing. For other inquiries, Contact Us. . The legendary actor, who passed away on Wednesday, needed the help of a walker in some of his final photos. JAMES Caan looked frail and weak in the time leading up to his passing. While no physical health issues of the actor have been known, he did open up about his mental health struggles while talking to CBS.In . Always wanted to be like him. But Caan filed for . You gave of yourself to the art of acting and performance to the very end., Baldwin, who described Caan as a real sweetheart, added in his video: "He was a sweetie. James is best remembered for his legendary role as Sonny Corleone in 1972's The Godfather. It turned out that he wasn’t experiencing a heart attack, despite the fact that he was severely ill at the time. This is available on 116 123. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. When I lost her, I couldn't, I couldn't handle it, I didn't know what to do, he told Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz last July. DON'T MISSBlood clots: The nation's favourite drink could be to blame [ADVICE]High cholesterol: The sign on your hands - rings 'alarm bells' [INSIGHT]Stroke warning: Drug taken by millions increases your risk [TIPS]. He also did a lot of improvising like the way Sonny deals with an FBI photographer on the day of his sister's wedding: "I grabbed that camera, smashed the camera. "I enjoy working, I love to work with good people. "Because hopefully a lotta, you know, kids picked that up, you know? The legendary actor, who passed away on Wednesday, needed the help of a walker in some of his final photos. Other notable roles throughout his career include in films like Brian's Song (1971), Cinderella Liberty (1973), The Gambler (1974), Rollerball (1975), Dick Tracy (1990), Bottle Rocket (1996) and Eraser (1996). When he wanted back in, his friend Rob Reiner threw him a lifeline late in 1989. Love to the family.". Thinking of his family and sending my love. A titan in the film industry, Caan's movie and TV career stretches back over 60 years, with some of his most notable roles being in The Godfather (1972), Misery (1990) and Elf (2003). The world is . He was tough as nails on me but taught me the art of acting and I felt so lucky to go to 'acting school' with him every week. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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