Billy Dee Williams and James Caan

Adam Sandler, James Gunn & More Pay Tribute To Late Actor James Caan

Home / Stars / Adam Sandler, James Gunn & More Pay Tribute To Late Actor James Caan

By Kristin Myers on July 7, 2022 at 3:36 PM EDT
Updated on July 7, 2022 at 3:38 PM EDT

On Wednesday, July 6, actor JamesCaan passed away at the age of 82.

His family announced the news on Twitter on Thursday afternoon in a brief message posted to his Twitter account.

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The tweet read: "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."

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James Caan at the "The Godfather" 50th Anniversary Celebration
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No more information regarding his cause of death has been revealed at this time. The Blast reached out for comment and received this response:

 “Actor James Caan, 82, has passed away it was announced today by the beloved actor’s family. Mr. Caan’s family appreciates the outpouring of condolences from his friends and fans from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

According to his Twitter bio, Caan was most proud of his roles in The Godfather, Misery, Thief, Brian's Song, Rollerball, Hide in Plain Sight, The Gambler, El Dorado, Funny Lady, and Elf. Many celebrities and costars from fans' favorite films have been paying tribute to the late actor on social media.

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Adam Sandler Says He 'Always Wanted To Be Like' James Caan

"Happy Gilmore" star Adam Sandler tweeted, "James Caan. 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."

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"Brian's Song" costar Billy Dee Williams tweeted a photo of James sitting on his lap. He tweeted, "Team Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy ?"

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"Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn tweeted, "Rest In Peace James Caan. 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). ?❤️"

'Misery' Director Rob Reiner Says 'I Loved Working With Him'

"Misery" director Rob Reiner tweeted, "So sorry to hear the news. I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family."

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"Funny Lady" costar Barbra Steisand tweeted, "I'm so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented."

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Director Edgar Wright tweeted, "RIP to a genuine megawatt movie star, Mr Jimmy Caan, star of not just The Godfather, but also Thief, Misery, Freebie And The Bean, Slither, Rollerball, Bottle Rocket, Gardens Of Stone, The Way Of The Gun, Honeymoon In Vegas, Elf & many more. Enjoy this deadpan classic."

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Gary Sinise Said It Was 'Wonderful To Know Him & Call Him A Pal'

"Forrest Gump" actor 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."

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"The Princess Bride" star Cary Elwes tweeted, "Legend… Rest in Power, Jimmy. Our condolences to Scotty and his family?"

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The official "The Godfather" Twitter account also paid tribute, tweeting, "In remembrance of the legendary James Caan. Rest In Peace."

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Director Francis Ford Coppola also released a statement through Deadline, saying:

“Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure I’ve ever known. From those beginning times working on The Rain People, throughout all the milestones of my life. His films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. Old friend from Sunnyside, collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.”

The two former Hofstra University students had collaborated on four films together. Coppola's upcoming "Megalopolis" would have marked their fifth collaboration.

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