James Caan Dead: Shocking Details of Actor's Life Exposed Including Links to Crimes

By Liz Rowe

James Caan, the actor who played Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather," died on July 6.

He was well-known for his involvement in the mafia epic and numerous important films of the 1970s.

James Caan died at the age of 82, and his death was verified via his Twitter account.

"It is with tremendous regret that we notify you of Jimmy's death on July 6th evening. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and genuine sympathies and requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time."

However, surprising details about the actor's life have resurfaced only days after his untimely death.

According to Radar Online, he once arranged a "mafia-style hit" on Joe Pesci, which included being questioned by cops about the untimely death of a friend.

Caan was also identified and related to the famed Genovese criminal family raid.

According to the publication, numerous high-profile celebrities were captured on wiretaps making illegal bets linked to a mafia-run gambling ring in New York in 2017.

An insider revealed A-listers in attendance included Caan, Paul Sorvino of "Goodfellas," Charlie Sheen, Larry David, Tony Sonza, and even Regis Philbin.

The insider revealed how much the "Misery" star likes to wager at the time, as he is characterized as a "huge gambler" who loves to "bet on anything."

"He'll even wager on which elevator doors will be the first to open."

Thirteen Genovese crime family members were arrested in December 2016 when it was discovered that they ran an illegal offshore gambling racket.

Vinny Taliercio, according to Radar, bridged the gap between Hollywood's elite and the mafia-run ring.

If they weren't on the East Coast, gamblers would place their bets with Vinny over the phone, according to the insider, who added, "They undoubtedly caught some of these celebs on wiretaps."

"Vinnie is not simply a bookie - anyone in the gambling industry would ring him up because he's the top handicapper in the world," the insider added. "He's worked with all the big celebs."

The New York Attorney General's Office's Organized Crime Task Force and the New York Police Department's Criminal Enterprise Investigations Section allegedly used wiretaps to secure Vinny's indictment, which led to his arrest in connection with the "Operation Shark Bait" gambling and loan sharking investigation.