Caan, star of The Godfather, Misery, and other beloved films, died Wednesday at 82.
A great actor, a brilliant director, and my dear friend.
I’m gonna miss him."
James Caan and Al Pacino in ‘The Godfather’.Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Working with him onMiserywas 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.
So many memories are flooding back today.
We were so excited when we got to shoot in the dining room.
He would have something insightfully funny to say right now.
Sending all my love to the Caan family."
Miserydirector,Rob Reiner, said to EW in a statement, “Jimmy was a natural.
A great instinctive actor loaded with talent and presence.
His chemistry with Kathy Bates broughtMiseryto life.
More importantly, he was the only Jew I knew who could rope a calf with best of them.
The film world has suffered a big loss.”
There was a core of values within him about how people should be, more or less.
And it produced many outrageous and hilarious anecdotes."
Mann continued, “I loved him and I loved working with him.
Frank is half Frank, half Jimmy.
The character and the man like his Sonny inThe Godfather were made for each other.
What a loss.”
Read more tributes to Caan below.
