James Caan, star of ‘The Godfather,’ ‘Elf’ and 'Misery,' dies at 82

Legendary actor James Caan, who starred in "The Godfather," "Elf," "Brian's Song," "El Dorado," and "Misery," among many other films, has died at 82 years old.  

"It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Jimmy on the afternoon of July 6. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect his privacy during this difficult time," said a statement his official Twitter account.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

End of tweet

— James Caan (@James_Caan) July 7, 2022

Caan, best known for his role as Santino "Sonny" Corleone, the brother of Michael, played by Al Pacino, reflected on Francis Ford Coppola's iconic film for its 50th anniversary earlier this year. 

"One of the things that made 'The Godfather' successful, besides brilliant direction and screenwriting and wonderful actors ... was that everybody really enjoyed making it, and that's reflected on the screen," Caan told The Post in March 2022.

"And I think the audience can tell we were having a good time doing what we were doing up there."

Caan had five children: "Ocean's 11" star Scott Caan, 45; James Arthur Caan, 26; Tara A. Caan, 57; Jacob Nicholas Caan, 23; and Alexander James Caan, 31. 
"My dad is probably one of the most interesting people I've ever met," Scott told

The Fall magazine in 2017. "When you're young, you don't see your dad as a legend, you just know he's a bit of an interesting, colorful, wild cat, and you think, 'I want to be like that guy.' If you come from creative people, it's in you."