Guide Note

James Caan is an Academy Award nominated American actor. He is best known for playing the role of "Sonny Corleone" in 1972's The Godfather.

Fast Facts

1. Born: March 26, 1940
2. Grew up in The Bronx, New York State]
3. Played college football and graduated from Michigan State University
4. Most recently starred in the TV show Las Vegas (TV Show)

Early Life

James Edmund Caan was born in The Bronx, New York State on March 26, 1940. In his youth he attended P.S. 150 Christopher Street School in New York City and Rhodes Preparatory. He would attend college at Michigan State University and then transfer to Hofstra University. He would pursue a career in acting when he enrolled at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre where he studied with Sanford Meisner.

Film Career

Caan's acting career began as a popular character actor on television with roles in hit shows such as Route 66, The Untouchables, Combat and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. In 1972, he appeared in his signature role as Sonny Corleone in the classic Francis Ford Coppola film The Godfather starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. He would receive an academy award nomination for his work in the film and cement his status as a movie tough guy and heavy. He capitalized on that success with decades of critically acclaimed and popular work in such films as Thief directed by Michael Mann, Misery directed by Rob Reiner, Bottle Rocket directed by Wes Anderson and Elf with Will Ferrell. In 2003, he starred as Ed Deline in the hit television show Las Vegas. He played the role for 5 Seasons before returning to film.

James Caan Timeline

• March 26, 1940 Born
• 1971: Brian's Song
• 1972: The Godfather
• 1990: Misery
• 1992: Honeymoon in Vegas
• 1996: Eraser
• 2003: Elf
• 2003-2007: Las Vegas

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