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 A masculine and enigmatic actor whose life and movie career have had more ups and downs than the average rollercoaster and whose selection of roles has arguably derailed him from achieving true superstar status, James Caan is New York-born and bred.He was born in the Bronx, to Sophie (Falkenstein) and Arthur Caan, Jewish immigrants from Germany. His father was a meat dealer and butcher. The athletically gifted Caan played football at Michigan State University while studying economics, holds a black belt in karate and for several years was even a regular on the rodeo circuit, where he was nicknamed "The Jewish Cowboy". However, while studying at Hofstra University, he became intrigued by acting and was interviewed and accepted at Sanford Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse. He then won a scholarship to study under acting coach Wynn Handman and began to appear in several off-Broadway productions, including "I Roam" and "Mandingo".He made his screen debut as a sailor in Irma la Douce (1963) and began to impress audiences with his work in Red Line 7000 (1965) and the western El Dorado (1966) alongside John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Further work followed in Journey to Shiloh (1968) and in the sensitive The Rain People (1969). However, audiences were moved to tears as he put in a heart-rending performance as cancer-stricken Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in the highly rated made-for-TV film Brian's Song (1971).With these strong performances under his belt, Francis Ford Coppola then cast him as hot-tempered gangster Santino "Sonny" Corleone in the Mafia epic The Godfather (1972). The film was an enormous success, Caan scored a Best Supporting Actor nomination and, in the years since, the role has proven to be the one most fondly remembered by his legion of fans. He reprised the role for several flashback scenes in the sequel The Godfather Part II (1974) and then moved on to several very diverse projects. These included a cop-buddy crime partnership with Alan Arkin in the uneven Freebie and the Bean (1974), a superb performance as a man playing for his life in The Gambler (1974) alongside Lauren Hutton, and pairing with Barbra Streisand in Funny Lady (1975). Two further strong lead roles came up for him in 1975, first as futuristic sports star "Jonathon E" questioning the moral fiber of a sterile society in Rollerball (1975) and teaming up with Robert Duvall in the Sam Peckinpah spy thriller The Killer Elite (1975).Unfortunately, Caan's rising star sputtered badly at this stage of his career, and several film projects failed to find fire with either critics or audiences. These included such failures as the hokey Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976), the quasi-western Comes a Horseman (1978) and the saccharine Chapter Two (1979). However, he did score again with the stylish Michael Mann-directed heist movie Thief (1981). He followed this with a supernatural romantic comedy titled Kiss Me Goodbye (1982) and then, due to personal conflicts, dropped out of the spotlight for several years before returning with a stellar performance under old friend Francis Ford Coppola in the moving Gardens of Stone (1987).Caan appeared back in favor with fans and critics alike and raised his visibility with the sci-fi hit Alien Nation (1988) and Dick Tracy (1990), then surprised everyone by playing a meek romance novelist held captive after a car accident by a deranged fan in the dynamic Misery (1990). The 1990s were kind to him and he notched up roles as a band leader in For the Boys (1991), another gangster in Honeymoon in Vegas (1992), appeared in the indie hit Bottle Rocket (1996) and pursued Arnold Schwarzenegger in Eraser (1996).The demand on Caan's talents seems to have increased steadily over the past few years as he is making himself known to a new generation of fans. Recent hot onscreen roles have included The Yards (2000), City of Ghosts (2002) and Dogville (2003). In addition, he finds himself at the helm of the hit TV series Las Vegas (2003) as casino security chief "Big Ed" Deline. An actor of undeniably manly appeal, James Caan continued to surprise and delight audiences with his invigorating performances up until his death in July 2022 at the age of 82.
Bio:
A masculine and enigmatic actor whose life and movie career have had more ups and downs than the average rollercoaster and whose selection of roles has arguably derailed him from achieving true superstar status, James Caan is New York-born and bred.He was born in the Bronx, to Sophie (Falkenstein) and Arthur Caan, Jewish immigrants from Germany. His father was a meat dealer and butcher. The athletically gifted Caan played football at Michigan State University while studying economics, holds a black belt in karate and for several years was even a regular on the rodeo circuit, where he was nicknamed "The Jewish Cowboy". However, while studying at Hofstra University, he became intrigued by acting and was interviewed and accepted at Sanford Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse. He then won a scholarship to study under acting coach Wynn Handman and began to appear in several off-Broadway productions, including "I Roam" and "Mandingo".He made his screen debut as a sailor in Irma la Douce (1963) and began to impress audiences with his work in Red Line 7000 (1965) and the western El Dorado (1966) alongside John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Further work followed in Journey to Shiloh (1968) and in the sensitive The Rain People (1969). However, audiences were moved to tears as he put in a heart-rending performance as cancer-stricken Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in the highly rated made-for-TV film Brian's Song (1971).With these strong performances under his belt, Francis Ford Coppola then cast him as hot-tempered gangster Santino "Sonny" Corleone in the Mafia epic The Godfather (1972). The film was an enormous success, Caan scored a Best Supporting Actor nomination and, in the years since, the role has proven to be the one most fondly remembered by his legion of fans. He reprised the role for several flashback scenes in the sequel The Godfather Part II (1974) and then moved on to several very diverse projects. These included a cop-buddy crime partnership with Alan Arkin in the uneven Freebie and the Bean (1974), a superb performance as a man playing for his life in The Gambler (1974) alongside Lauren Hutton, and pairing with Barbra Streisand in Funny Lady (1975). Two further strong lead roles came up for him in 1975, first as futuristic sports star "Jonathon E" questioning the moral fiber of a sterile society in Rollerball (1975) and teaming up with Robert Duvall in the Sam Peckinpah spy thriller The Killer Elite (1975).Unfortunately, Caan's rising star sputtered badly at this stage of his career, and several film projects failed to find fire with either critics or audiences. These included such failures as the hokey Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976), the quasi-western Comes a Horseman (1978) and the saccharine Chapter Two (1979). However, he did score again with the stylish Michael Mann-directed heist movie Thief (1981). He followed this with a supernatural romantic comedy titled Kiss Me Goodbye (1982) and then, due to personal conflicts, dropped out of the spotlight for several years before returning with a stellar performance under old friend Francis Ford Coppola in the moving Gardens of Stone (1987).Caan appeared back in favor with fans and critics alike and raised his visibility with the sci-fi hit Alien Nation (1988) and Dick Tracy (1990), then surprised everyone by playing a meek romance novelist held captive after a car accident by a deranged fan in the dynamic Misery (1990). The 1990s were kind to him and he notched up roles as a band leader in For the Boys (1991), another gangster in Honeymoon in Vegas (1992), appeared in the indie hit Bottle Rocket (1996) and pursued Arnold Schwarzenegger in Eraser (1996).The demand on Caan's talents seems to have increased steadily over the past few years as he is making himself known to a new generation of fans. Recent hot onscreen roles have included The Yards (2000), City of Ghosts (2002) and Dogville (2003). In addition, he finds himself at the helm of the hit TV series Las Vegas (2003) as casino security chief "Big Ed" Deline. An actor of undeniably manly appeal, James Caan continued to surprise and delight audiences with his invigorating performances up until his death in July 2022 at the age of 82.
Tivia:
While on sabbatical from acting he coached a Little League baseball team. There was an incident where his team's weakest player hit a home run that won a game. Caan said that this was one of the greatest moments of his life.In the 1990s he kicked a cocaine habit of some 20 years.According to the British documentary The Godfather and the Mob (2006), Caan was regularly seen with Gambino family underboss Carmine Persico (aka "Junior") during the filming of The Godfather (1972). As Persico was under surveillance by the FBI at the time, Caan came under almost equal scrutiny.His film contracts during his rodeo days had provisions that he would not compete in rodeos while filming. This was for fear that he might be injured or killed in an accident.Was originally tested for the role of Sonny Corleone in The Godfather (1972) (director Francis Ford Coppola had worked with him and Robert Duvall in The Rain People (1969) and wanted them in the movie), but then was slated to play Michael Corleone after Paramount's initial choices (which included Warren Beatty, Robert Redford and Ryan O'Neal) did not pan out. When Al Pacino came on board, Caan was switched back to Sonny.Briefly lived at the Playboy Mansion in the 1970s.Turned down Jack Nicholson's role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). Not one to repeat that mistake, he accepted the lead role in Misery (1990) when Nicholson turned it down. Both films involved the lead character being at the mercy of a sadistic nurse.Is a 6th Dan in Karate.He turned down the lead role in Superman (1978), because he balked at wearing such a costume.Was a drama major at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, New York, USA before he dropped out.Spent nine years on the pro rodeo circuit.Played football for Michigan State University.States that Thief (1981) is one of his favorite films.In his youth, his nicknames were "Shoulders" and "Killer Caan".Turned down the role of Trapper John in M*A*S*H (1970) in order to appear in Rabbit, Run (1970).After being turned down by Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino, Julia Phillips inquired of Caan's agent if he would be interested in taking the lead role of Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Caan's agent responded that he would read the script for a guarantee of $1 million plus 10% of the gross if he accepted the role. Phillips went with the original choice, Richard Dreyfuss.He was the original choice to play Lone Starr in Spaceballs (1987). Unfortunately, he was struggling with addiction issues at the time. A then unknown Bill Pullman won the role, as Caan was deemed too expensive to insure.His parents, Sophie (Falkenstein) and Arthur Caan, were both German Jews.He walked off the set of The Holcroft Covenant (1985) and was replaced by Michael Caine. Both were in A Bridge Too Far (1977).Sons with Linda Stokes: James Arthur Caan (b. 6 November 1995) and Jacob Nicholas Caan (b. September 24th 1998).Studied Economics at Michigan State University.During the making of Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), he nicknamed Hugh Grant "Whippy" after the Whippet, an English breed of dog that shivers a lot.Two generations of his family and the Coppola family have worked together. He worked with Francis Ford Coppola most memorably in the first two Godfather films (The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974)) and in Gardens of Stone (1987). His son, Scott Caan, appeared in Sonny (2002), which was directed by Nicolas Cage and featured Cage and his brother, Marc Coppola. Sonny was also the name of Caan's "Godfather" character.He turned down the role of Ted Kramer in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). Dustin Hoffman subsequently won an Oscar for the role.The theatre dressing room scene in 'Funny Lady' in which he and Barbra Streisand toss powder in each others faces turned into a surprise for Barbra as she only expected a light dusting but James, conspiring with director Herbert Ross heaped a powder storm on her with dramatic and humorous effect. it's one of her personal favourites.From 1982 to 1987, Caan suffered from depression over his sister's death from leukemia, a growing problem with cocaine, and what he described as "Hollywood burnout," and did not act in any films.He turned down the role of "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971). Gene Hackman subsequently won an Oscar for the part.He was considered to voice Scar in The Lion King (1994).Avid golfer.Although he played John Cazale's elder brother in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), he is five years his junior in real life.He is a practicing martial artist. He has trained with Takayuki Kubota for nearly thirty years, earning various ranks. He is a Master (Rank = 6 Dan) of Gosoku Ryu Karate and was granted the title of Soke Dai by the International Karate Association.Frequent guest/player at celebrity golf events.He was considered for Harrison Ford's roles in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) and Blade (1998).In a 1991 interview, Caan claimed that making Kiss Me Goodbye (1982) was a factor in his self-imposed exile. Caan called it one of the worst experiences of his life and professed that director Robert Mulligan was the most incompetent filmmaker he had ever worked with.He was considered for Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984).He was offered the role of Col. Lucas in Apocalypse Now (1979), but he demanded too much money for such a small part, and Harrison Ford was cast instead.He agreed to appear in A Bridge Too Far (1977) because of the scene in which he forces a reluctant Army surgeon to operate on one of his buddies at gunpoint. He said, "When Richard Attenborough came to see me in Los Angeles, he offered me the choice of several roles. I chose the Sergeant, chiefly for that one scene.".He survived a car crash in 1985.In 1977, Caan rated several of his movies out of ten - The Godfather (1972) (10), Freebie and the Bean (1974) (4), Cinderella Liberty (1973) (8), The Gambler (1974) (8), Funny Lady (1975) (9), Rollerball (1975) (8), The Killer Elite (1975) (5), Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976) (0), Slither (1973) (4), A Bridge Too Far (1977) (7), and Another Man, Another Chance (1977) (10). He also liked his performances in The Rain People (1969) and Thief (1981).Although he played Morgana King's son in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), he is only ten years her junior in real life.In the Godfather trilogy, Andy Garcia plays the son of Caan's character, Sonny Corleone. In Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004), Caan's son, Scott Caan, works with Garcia.Two of his memorable scenes from The Godfather (1972) have been parodied on The Simpsons (1989). The scene where Sonny beats up Carlo in the street was turned into a scene where Marge does the same to a man who mugged her. Sonny's death scene has actually been parodied twice. The first time involved Bart being ambushed with snowballs at school. The second actually involved Caan himself making a guest appearance, and being ambushed at a tollbooth again.He was considered for the role of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) before Robert Duvall was cast. He eventually played Sonny Corleone in both that film and The Godfather Part II (1974).Grew up in Sunnyside (neighborhood), Queens, New York City, New York, USA.Republican.He was considered for the lead role in Rocky (1976).Studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater, a professional conservatory for actors, and the home of the Meisner technique (developed and taught by Sanford Meisner, who was at one time part of the faculty there), in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.He was originally cast in the main villain role of Scorpio in Dirty Harry (1971), however the part later went to Andrew Robinson.He was considered for the role of Jack Travis in Lethal Weapon 3 (1992).Appears in Misery (1990), which was directed by Rob Reiner. His son, Scott Caan, appeared in Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004), opposite Reiner's father, Carl Reiner. |
| Name: |
James Caan |
Type: |
Actor,Director,Stunts (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
|
Business scope: |
Actor,Director,Stunts |
| Products for sale: |
Actor,Director,Stunts |
| Model rank: |
981 |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 03:30:13 |
| Height: |
5' 9?' (1.76 m) |
| Biography: |
A masculine and enigmatic actor whose life and movie career have had more ups and downs than the average rollercoaster and whose selection of roles has arguably derailed him from achieving true superstar status, James Caan is New York-born and b |
| Trivia: |
While on sabbatical from acting he coached a Little League baseball team. There was an incident where his team's weakest player hit a home run that won a game. Caan said that this was one of the greatest moments of his life.In the 1990s he kicked a cocaine habit of some 20 years.According to the British documentary The Godfather and the Mob (2006), Caan was regularly seen with Gambino family underboss Carmine Persico (aka "Junior") during the filming of The Godfather (1972). As Persico was under surveillance by the FBI at the time, Caan came under almost equal scrutiny.His film contracts during his rodeo days had provisions that he would not compete in rodeos while filming. This was for fear that he might be injured or killed in an accident.Was originally tested for the role of Sonny Corleone in The Godfather (1972) (director Francis Ford Coppola had worked with him and Robert Duvall in The Rain People (1969) and wanted them in the movie), but then was slated to play Michael Corleone after Paramount's initial choices (which included Warren Beatty, Robert Redford and Ryan O'Neal) did not pan out. When Al Pacino came on board, Caan was switched back to Sonny.Briefly lived at the Playboy Mansion in the 1970s.Turned down Jack Nicholson's role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). Not one to repeat that mistake, he accepted the lead role in Misery (1990) when Nicholson turned it down. Both films involved the lead character being at the mercy of a sadistic nurse.Is a 6th Dan in Karate.He turned down the lead role in Superman (1978), because he balked at wearing such a costume.Was a drama major at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, New York, USA before he dropped out.Spent nine years on the pro rodeo circuit.Played football for Michigan State University.States that Thief (1981) is one of his favorite films.In his youth, his nicknames were "Shoulders" and "Killer Caan".Turned down the role of Trapper John in M*A*S*H (1970) in order to appear in Rabbit, Run (1970).After being turned down by Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino, Julia Phillips inquired of Caan's agent if he would be interested in taking the lead role of Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Caan's agent responded that he would read the script for a guarantee of $1 million plus 10% of the gross if he accepted the role. Phillips went with the original choice, Richard Dreyfuss.He was the original choice to play Lone Starr in Spaceballs (1987). Unfortunately, he was struggling with addiction issues at the time. A then unknown Bill Pullman won the role, as Caan was deemed too expensive to insure.His parents, Sophie (Falkenstein) and Arthur Caan, were both German Jews.He walked off the set of The Holcroft Covenant (1985) and was replaced by Michael Caine. Both were in A Bridge Too Far (1977).Sons with Linda Stokes: James Arthur Caan (b. 6 November 1995) and Jacob Nicholas Caan (b. September 24th 1998).Studied Economics at Michigan State University.During the making of Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), he nicknamed Hugh Grant "Whippy" after the Whippet, an English breed of dog that shivers a lot.Two generations of his family and the Coppola family have worked together. He worked with Francis Ford Coppola most memorably in the first two Godfather films (The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974)) and in Gardens of Stone (1987). His son, Scott Caan, appeared in Sonny (2002), which was directed by Nicolas Cage and featured Cage and his brother, Marc Coppola. Sonny was also the name of Caan's "Godfather" character.He turned down the role of Ted Kramer in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). Dustin Hoffman subsequently won an Oscar for the role.The theatre dressing room scene in 'Funny Lady' in which he and Barbra Streisand toss powder in each others faces turned into a surprise for Barbra as she only expected a light dusting but James, conspiring with director Herbert Ross heaped a powder storm on her with dramatic and humorous effect. it's one of her personal favourites.From 1982 to 1987, Caan suffered from depression over his sister's death from leukemia, a growing problem with cocaine, and what he described as "Hollywood burnout," and did not act in any films.He turned down the role of "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971). Gene Hackman subsequently won an Oscar for the part.He was considered to voice Scar in The Lion King (1994).Avid golfer.Although he played John Cazale's elder brother in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), he is five years his junior in real life.He is a practicing martial artist. He has trained with Takayuki Kubota for nearly thirty years, earning various ranks. He is a Master (Rank = 6 Dan) of Gosoku Ryu Karate and was granted the title of Soke Dai by the International Karate Association.Frequent guest/player at celebrity golf events.He was considered for Harrison Ford's roles in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) and Blade (1998).In a 1991 interview, Caan claimed that making Kiss Me Goodbye (1982) was a factor in his self-imposed exile. Caan called it one of the worst experiences of his life and professed that director Robert Mulligan was the most incompetent filmmaker he had ever worked with.He was considered for Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984).He was offered the role of Col. Lucas in Apocalypse Now (1979), but he demanded too much money for such a small part, and Harrison Ford was cast instead.He agreed to appear in A Bridge Too Far (1977) because of the scene in which he forces a reluctant Army surgeon to operate on one of his buddies at gunpoint. He said, "When Richard Attenborough came to see me in Los Angeles, he offered me the choice of several roles. I chose the Sergeant, chiefly for that one scene.".He survived a car crash in 1985.In 1977, Caan rated several of his movies out of ten - The Godfather (1972) (10), Freebie and the Bean (1974) (4), Cinderella Liberty (1973) (8), The Gambler (1974) (8), Funny Lady (1975) (9), Rollerball (1975) (8), The Killer Elite (1975) (5), Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976) (0), Slither (1973) (4), A Bridge Too Far (1977) (7), and Another Man, Another Chance (1977) (10). He also liked his performances in The Rain People (1969) and Thief (1981).Although he played Morgana King's son in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), he is only ten years her junior in real life.In the Godfather trilogy, Andy Garcia plays the son of Caan's character, Sonny Corleone. In Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004), Caan's son, Scott Caan, works with Garcia.Two of his memorable scenes from The Godfather (1972) have been parodied on The Simpsons (1989). The scene where Sonny beats up Carlo in the street was turned into a scene where Marge does the same to a man who mugged her. Sonny's death scene has actually been parodied twice. The first time involved Bart being ambushed with snowballs at school. The second actually involved Caan himself making a guest appearance, and being ambushed at a tollbooth again.He was considered for the role of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) before Robert Duvall was cast. He eventually played Sonny Corleone in both that film and The Godfather Part II (1974).Grew up in Sunnyside (neighborhood), Queens, New York City, New York, USA.Republican.He was considered for the lead role in Rocky (1976).Studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater, a professional conservatory for actors, and the home of the Meisner technique (developed and taught by Sanford Meisner, who was at one time part of the faculty there), in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.He was originally cast in the main villain role of Scorpio in Dirty Harry (1971), however the part later went to Andrew Robinson.He was considered for the role of Jack Travis in Lethal Weapon 3 (1992).Appears in Misery (1990), which was directed by Rob Reiner. His son, Scott Caan, appeared in Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004), opposite Reiner's father, Carl Reiner. |
| Trademarks: |
Bronx accent |
| Quotes: |
[on being voted "Italian of the Year" in New York twice, after his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather (1972)]: I'm a Jew from the Bronx. I feel guilty about accepting these awards, but they wouldn't let me turn them down.
<br />
<hr>
I have an agent I trust professionally more than anybody else, but with the best intentions he could put me in the shithouse just as fast as somebody who wanted to ruin me.
<br />
<hr>
I'd rather get sloshed than stoned.
<br />
<hr>
Anyone of my generation who tells you he hasn't "done" Brando [Marlon Brando] is lying.
<br />
<hr>
My acting technique is to look up at God just before the camera rolls and say, 'Give me a break.' |
| Salaries: |
Back in the Game (2013) - $75,000 per episode (2013)
<br />
<hr>
The Godfather Part II (1974) - $35,000
<br />
<hr>
The Godfather (1972) - $35,000 |
| Job title: |
Actor,Director,Stunts |
| Others works: |
(2010) Appeared in a PSA for Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV.org).
(November 13, 1969) Guest on the talk show "Boutique". |
| Spouse: |
Linda Stokes (October 7, 1995 - 2016) (divorced, 2 children)Ingrid Hajek (September 9, 1990 - March 29, 1995) (divorced, 1 child)Sheila Ryan (January 12, 1976 - December 7, 1976) (divorced, 1 child)Dee |
| Children: |
Alexander James CaanTara A. CaanScott Caan |
| Parents: |
Sophie Falkenstein
Arthur Caan |
| Relatives: |
Barbara Licker-Caan (Sibling)
Ronnie Caan (Sibling) |
|
