Legendary Actor James Caan, Star Of 'The Godfather And 'Elf,' Dead At 82.

Hollywood is mourning the loss of an acting legend. On the night of July 6, actor James Caan has died at the age of 82.

Best known for his role as the hot headed Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppolla's mob epic The Godfather (1972), where he acted against other heavyweights the likes of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, James Caan was a powerhouse on screen, exuding a masculine confidence which remained throughout his storied career.

Born in the Bronx to Jewish immigrants from Germany, Caan was an athletic youth who played football at Michigan State, had a black belt in karate, and even spent some time working in the rodeo where he was nicknamed "The Jewish Cowboy." He got the acting bug while attending Hofstra University where he went on to star in many off-Broadway productions.

Moving on to television, Caan starred in several series including The Untouchables, Get Smart, and had a starring role in the television movie Brian's Song before transitioning to the big screen. His career led him to be directed by some of the greats including Richard Attenborough, Michael Mann, Rob Reiner, Mel Brooks, and Sam Peckinpah.

An everyman's actor, James Caan found a new audience later in his career when he starred as Will Ferrell's father in the Jon Favreau Christmas comedy Elf where his intimidating personality played off of Ferrell's manically child-like energy as a man raised by Santa's elves.

Active on Twitter, he was a fun follow, posting pictures from his early days in Hollywood and giving his insights on the world as only James Caan could, ending all of his posts with his signature expression, "End of tweet."

His final post was made on June 27.

Survived by his five children, including actor Scott Caan, James Caan's legacy will live on through his vast body of work, which showcases an amazing career so few get to achieve.

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