James Caan Cause of Death Devastating: ‘The Godfather’ Actor Died of Health Issues?

By Alexandria Reeves

James Caan, a renowned Hollywood star who appeared in "The Godfather," died. He was 82.

His family first confirmed Caan's death on Thursday on Twitter. They revealed that he passed away 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. End of tweet," the family went on.

Caan's loved ones copied his habit on Twitter, putting "end of tweet" on his posts.

The statement, however, did not provide James Caan's cause of death.

But in the years leading to his death, the award-winning actor sparked concerns due to several issues he faced in the past years.

In 1991, he told The New York Times (via The Daily Beast) that he suffered depression from 1982 to 1987, prompting him to take cocaine. It reportedly started when his sister died as he could not imagine what he would do without her.

This issue caused his career to plummet, leaving several flicks like "The Holcroft Covenant."

In 2015, The Daily Mail quoted a news outlet, saying that he was rushed to a hospital after complaining of chest pain. Rather than a heart attack, it was confirmed that he had an infection in his chest.

Two years before his passing, he worried his fans again when he appeared frail while his son pushed him in a wheelchair after a back operation.

It remains unknown whether these issues have a connection to his cause of death.

James Caan's Acting Career

Throughout his decades-old career, Caan landed different notable roles that made him closer to his fans.

In 1971, he started building his empire by playing Chicago Bears halfback Brian Piccolo in "Brian's Song." The TV film explored Piccolo's real-life battle with terminal cancer. It also highlighted the interracial friendship between the halfback and his Black teammate.

He then starred in the notable "The Godfather."

Before his death, Caan was still able to sit for an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning" and shared that he based his character, Sonny Corleone, on Don Rickles.

"It wasn't imitating Don Rickles. It was having that drive, that thing, you know? I was just locked into that," he said, per CNN.

Caan then collected more titles, including "Thief," "Rollerball," "Misery," "Elf," "A Bridge Too Far," and "El Dorado."