James Caan, a cinematic tough guy and skilled filmmaker, has away at the age of 82.

James Caan, a well-known actor best known for playing gangster Santino "Sonny" Corleone in the Oscar-winning movie The Godfather, has passed away at the age of 82.
He passed unexpectedly on Wednesday night, according to a statement from his family that was shared on Twitter.

The statement was published on Caan's official Twitter account and read, "The family appreciates the outpouring of love and genuine condolences and begs that you continue to respect their privacy at this difficult time."
Caan was best known for his explosive performances as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and a dying football player in the made-for-TV movie Brian's Song (for which he received nominations for an Oscar and an Emmy, respectively). Caan also contributed an eminently watchable machismo to numerous other movies and television programs. He played a famous author kept hostage by Kathy Bates in the film Misery. He played a heartbroken Vietnam veteran who was grudgingly manning the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Gardens of Stone. He portrayed an anti-type role in Elf as the father of the main character and a failed children's book publisher.

Kramer vs. Kramer, Apocalypse Now, MAS*H, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest were just a few of the movies he turned down in favor of ideas that ended up being box office duds.

He admitted to The New York Times in 1991 that he had yet to see some of the photographs he had created. "When I started creating them, I was depressed. What am I doing here in the middle of some of these photographs, I kept asking myself. It's as though you're trapped in a hallway and unable to go."
"Jimmy was my fictitious brother and a close buddy of mine. Because he was so vibrant and courageous, it is difficult to imagine that he will no longer be living. a superb director, a wonderful performer, and my close friend. I adored him and will miss him." Al Pacino, who co-starred with Caan in The Godfather in 1972, said as much in a statement.

I was shocked to learn about Jimmy's demise. The Godfather: Part II star Robert De Niro said as much in a statement.
"Friends and teammates to the very end. Sadly, Jimmy." via Twitter, Billy Dee Williams, who co-starred with Caan in the 1971 television football film Brian's Song.
"Jimmy leaving seems unbelievable to me. One of the most memorable professional experiences I had was working with him on "Misery." You can tell he's terrified as you watch him perform because he appears to be staring at a snake. Brilliant. Today, so many memories are returning. He had kindness. Hilarious. He would be able to say something amusingly wise right now. I am without." – Kathy Bates in a press release.
"It breaks my heart to learn about Jimmy. He had such potential." Through Twitter, Barbra Streisand, who co-starred with Caan in the 1975 film Funny Lady.