Actor James Caan Has Died Aged 82

The actor James Caan has died aged 82, his family have announced.

Caan shot to fame playing Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his part in the famous film, he would reprise the role in a cameo for The Godfather Part II.

His film career continued with hits such as Misery, while younger audiences will recognise him as Buddy's dad in the popular Christmas movie Elf.

Caan's family released a statement confirming the actor's death and thanking well wishers for their tributes to him.

They said: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy 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."

The actor had continued working right up until his death and had been due to star in Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola's upcoming movie Megalopolis.

The legendary film recently turned 50 years old and Caan's performance as the hot-headed eldest son of the Corleone family won him recognition from critics and audiences alike.

He went on to star in a number of high profile movies over the next few decades, though he also ended up turning down a number of roles in iconic films.

He could have added credits in The French Connection, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest and Apocalypse Now to his already impressive filmography.

Caan took a break from acting in movies between 1982 and 1987 following the death of his sister from leukaemia and 'Hollywood burnout'.

He returned to the big screen in Coppola's Vietnam movie Gardens of Stone, though it was his performance in Misery which really relaunched his career.

The adaptation of the Stephen King novel featured Caan as a writer who ends up imprisoned by his biggest fan and must find a way to escape from her home.

As younger audiences will know him better for his role as Buddy's estranged father in Elf, with the actor once explaining why there was never a follow-up movie.

Caan spoke about the possibility for a sequel to the hugely popular Christmas movie, explaining that it hadn't happened because of tension between lead actor Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau.

Tributes to the actor have been pouring in from across Hollywood, with Misery director Rob Reiner tweeting that he was 'so sorry to hear the news' and 'loved working with him'.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677