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Celebrities react to 'Godfather' star James Caan's death

Posted July 07, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - Co-stars James Caan, left, and Barbra Streisand appear at a press conference for their film "Funny Lady" in New York on March 11, 1975. Caan, who had notable roles in "The Godfather," "Brian's Song" and "Misery," died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at age 82. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff, File) The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - James Caan, the Oscar-nominated actor known for roles in the 'œThe Godfather," 'ťBrian's Song,'' 'œMisery,'' and 'ťElf,'' died Wednesday at age 82. Caan's death drew tributes and expressions of grief from industry colleagues and fans.

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'œJimmy 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. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I loved him, gonna miss him.'ť - Al Pacino, who starred in 1972's 'ťThe Godfather," in a statement.

'œI'm very very sad to hear about Jimmy's passing." - Robert De Niro, who starred in 1974's 'œThe Godfather: Part II," in a statement.

'œTeam Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy." - Billy Dee Williams, who starred with Caan in the 1971 TV football movie 'œBrian's Song," via Twitter.

'œI 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....He was kind. Hilarious. He would have something insightfully funny to say right now. I'm bereft." - Kathy Bates, in a statement.

'œJimmy was not just a great actor with total commitment and a venturesome spirit, but he had a vitality in the core of his being that drove everything from his art and friendship to athletics and very good times.'ť - Michael Mann, who directed Caan in the 1981 film 'œThief,'ť via Instagram.

'œLoved 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.'ť - Adam Sandler, via Twitter.

'œI'm so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented.'ť - Barbra Streisand, who starred with Caan in the 1975 movie 'œFunny Lady,'ť via Twitter.

'œWas lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a person even more. Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong.'ť - Andy Richter, who appeared with Caan in the 2003 movie 'œElf,'ť via Twitter.

'œHeartbroken 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.'ť - Gary Sinise, via Twitter.

"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. - Jon Lovitz, via Twitter.

'œI will always remember him not only as a brilliant actor but as a man of humor & warmth playing with my 1 year old son on set.'ť - Jill Hennessy, who appeared with Caan in the TV series, 'œLas Vegas,'ť via Twitter.

'œSo sad about Jimmy Caan. He was a legend. He was always kind to me. Sending his family my love.'ť - Maria Shriver, via Twitter.

FILE - Actor James Caan poses on the set of the NBC series "Las Vegas," in Culver city, Calif., on Dec. 10, 2003. Caan, who had notable roles in "The Godfather," "Brian's Song" and "Misery," died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at age 82. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) The Associated Press

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows, from left, James Caan as Sonny Corleone, Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as Michael Corleone and John Cazale as Fredo Corleone from the 1972 film "The Godfather." Caan, whose roles also included 'Brian's Song' and 'Misery,' died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at age 82. (Paramount Pictures via AP) The Associated Press

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