James Caan gained experience in the entertainment business decades ago by playing a pivotal role in one of the most well-known movie series, 'The Godfather.'
He played Sonny Corleone, the eldest child of mafia boss Vito Corleone
However, Caan's collaboration with Coppola and work in front of the camera started much earlier.
On IMDb, Caan has more than 130 acting credits, along with directing, singing, and a single stunt credit for Steven Spielberg's '1941,' which starred John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
James Caan passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. After passing away at age 82, 'Godfather star James Caan was remembered by Hollywood and honored with tributes.
In a message posted on Twitter on Thursday, his family announced his passing.
Caan, who was born on March 26, 1940, to Jewish immigrants in The Bronx, New York, eventually lived in Queens and played football at Michigan State University under legendary coach Duff Daugherty.
He transferred to Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, where he studied with fellow student Francis Ford Coppola and actress Lainie Kazan since his heart wasn't in the game.
Prior to receiving his diploma, Caan left Hofstra to pursue acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City under the tutelage of renowned method acting coach Sanford Meisner.
Together with Peter Fonda, he made his Broadway debut in the 1961 production of 'Blood, Sweat, and Stanley Poole.'
Despite having a long career in Hollywood, Caan did take a break from the spotlight once in the 1980s. Following problems with substance misuse, he took a break from his profession, using the time to instruct young players in baseball.
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