James Caan, , 'Godfather' <br />and 'Thief' Star, , Dead at 82.<br />Caan's death was announced via Twitter on July 7.<br />It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6, Statement, via James Caan's Twitter account.<br />The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time, Statement, via James Caan's Twitter account.<br />The cause of death has not yet been reported.<br />James Caan's iconic acting career spanned more than six decades.<br />Before he began acting in film, he worked in the theater making his Broadway debut in 1961 in a play with Peter Fonda. .<br />Caan also worked in television and lent his voice to several video games.<br />He is perhaps best known for his role as <br />Sonny Corleone in the iconic film <br />'The Godfather' (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.<br />He is perhaps best known for his role as <br />Sonny Corleone in the iconic film <br />'The Godfather' (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.<br />The role earned Caan an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.<br />Caan's career was reignited with the film 'Misery' (1990) in which he played opposite Kathy Bates in her breakout role.<br />Director Michael Mann cast Caan <br />as the lead in 'Thief' (1981).<br />Film critic Roger Ebert captured Caan's on-screen persona in his review of the film.<br />Caan sees himself as a completely independent loner. , Roger Ebert, via 'Variety'.<br />But we see him differently, as a lonely, unloved kid who is hiding out inside an adult body, Roger Ebert, via 'Variety'
