History of James Caan in Timeline

James Edmund Caan was a prominent American actor best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather" (1972) and "The Godfather Part II" (1974). His performance in "The Godfather" garnered him nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. His contributions to the film industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.

1909: Birth of Arthur Caan

Arthur Caan, James Caan's father, was born in 1909.

1915: Birth of Sophie Falkenstein

Sophie Falkenstein, James Caan's mother, was born in 1915.

March 26, 1940: Birth of James Caan

James Edmund Caan was born on March 26, 1940, in The Bronx, New York City, to Sophie and Arthur Caan, Jewish immigrants from Germany.

1961: Broadway Debut

James Caan made his Broadway debut in the play "Blood, Sweat and Stanley Poole" in 1961.

1961: First Marriage to Dee Jay Mathis

James Caan married Dee Jay Mathis in 1961.

1963: Film Debut in "Irma la Douce"

James Caan made his film debut with an uncredited role in "Irma la Douce" in 1963.

1964: Birth of Tara Caan

James Caan and Dee Jay Mathis welcomed their daughter, Tara Caan, in 1964.

1964: Breakthrough Role in "Lady in a Cage"

James Caan landed his first substantial film role in the 1964 thriller "Lady in a Cage", starring Olivia de Havilland, who praised his performance.

1965: First Starring Role in "Red Line 7000"

James Caan secured his first starring role in Howard Hawks' auto-racing drama "Red Line 7000" in 1965.

1965: Starring Role in "The Glory Guys"

James Caan was fourth-billed in the Western film "The Glory Guys" in 1965.

1966: Divorce from Dee Jay Mathis

James Caan and Dee Jay Mathis divorced in 1966.

1966: Appearance in "El Dorado"

James Caan appeared in Howard Hawks' film "El Dorado" in 1966.

1967: Appearance in "El Dorado" and "Countdown"

James Caan appeared in Howard Hawks' "El Dorado" and starred in Robert Altman's "Countdown", both released in 1967.

1967: Roles in "Countdown" and "The Rain People"

James Caan took on roles in Robert Altman's "Countdown" and Francis Ford Coppola's "The Rain People" in 1967.

1968: Roles in "Submarine X-1" and "Journey to Shiloh"

James Caan starred in the war film "Submarine X-1" and the Western "Journey to Shiloh", both released in 1968.

1969: Critical Acclaim for "The Rain People"

James Caan received critical acclaim for his performance as a brain-damaged football player in the 1969 film "The Rain People", directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

1969: Starring Role in "The Rain People"

James Caan starred in Francis Ford Coppola's film "The Rain People" in 1969.

1970: Starring Role in "Rabbit, Run"

James Caan played the lead role in the film adaptation of John Updike's novel "Rabbit, Run" in 1970.

1971: Critical Acclaim and Emmy Nomination for "Brian's Song"

In 1971, James Caan starred in the television movie "Brian's Song", portraying dying football player Brian Piccolo. The film was a critical success, and his performance earned him an Emmy nomination.

1971: Emmy Nomination for "Brian's Song"

James Caan's performance as Brian Piccolo in the 1971 television movie "Brian's Song" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

1971: Association with Carmine Persico During "The Godfather"

While filming "The Godfather" in 1971, James Caan was observed spending time with Carmine Persico, a prominent figure in the Colombo crime family. This association led to brief suspicion from government agents who mistook Caan for a potential mobster. Caan was also friends with Colombo Family mobster Andrew Russo, the godfather of Caan's son, Scott Caan.

1972: The Godfather Release and Acclaim

James Caan rose to fame for his portrayal of Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather", released in 1972. His performance garnered him nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

1973: Release of "Slither" and "Cinderella Liberty"

James Caan starred in the road movie "Slither" and the romantic comedy "Cinderella Liberty", both released in 1973.

1973: Release of "Cinderella Liberty"

James Caan starred in the romantic comedy "Cinderella Liberty", directed by Mark Rydell, in 1973.

1974: Critical Acclaim for "The Gambler" and Release of "Freebie and the Bean"

James Caan received positive reviews for his performance in the 1974 film "The Gambler". The same year, he also starred in the action comedy "Freebie and the Bean" with Alan Arkin.

1974: The Godfather Part II Release

James Caan reprised his iconic role as Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974.

1974: Reprising Role in "The Godfather Part II"

James Caan reprised his role as Sonny Corleone in a flashback scene in "The Godfather Part II", released in 1974.

1974: Golden Globe Nomination for "The Gambler"

James Caan's performance in the 1974 drama "The Gambler" earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.

1975: Golden Globe Nomination for "Funny Lady"

James Caan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance in the musical "Funny Lady" in 1975.

1975: Success with "Funny Lady", "Rollerball", and "The Killer Elite"

James Caan starred in the hit musical "Funny Lady" opposite Barbra Streisand in 1975. He also starred in two popular action films that year, Norman Jewison's "Rollerball" and Sam Peckinpah's "The Killer Elite", though he later expressed dissatisfaction with the latter.

1975: Delayed Release of "Gone with the West"

The Western film "Gone with the West", starring James Caan and Stefanie Powers, which was filmed in 1969, was finally released in 1975.

August 23, 1976: Birth of Scott Caan

James Caan's son, Scott Caan, was born on August 23, 1976. Scott would also go on to become an actor.

1976: Cameo in "Silent Movie" and Role in "Harry and Walter Go to New York"

James Caan made a cameo appearance in Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie" in 1976. That same year, he also starred in the comedy "Harry and Walter Go to New York", directed by Mark Rydell, but expressed unhappiness with the film.

1977: Caan's Movie Ratings

In 1977, James Caan shared his personal ratings for several of his movies, reflecting on his career up to that point.

1977: Appearance in "A Bridge Too Far" and "Another Man, Another Chance"

James Caan starred in the war film "A Bridge Too Far" and Claude Lelouch's French film "Another Man, Another Chance" in 1977.

1977: Appearance in "A Bridge Too Far"

James Caan was among the ensemble cast of the war film "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977.

1978: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 1978, James Caan's contributions to the film industry were solidified with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1978: Directorial Debut with "Hide in Plain Sight"

James Caan made his directorial debut with the film "Hide in Plain Sight" in 1978. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film achieved moderate success with audiences.

1978: Release of "Comes a Horseman"

James Caan starred alongside Jane Fonda in the modern-day Western "Comes a Horseman", directed by Alan J. Pakula, in 1978.

1978: Starring Role in "Comes a Horseman"

James Caan starred alongside Jane Fonda in the modern-day Western "Comes a Horseman", directed by Alan J. Pakula, in 1978.

1979: Appearance in "Chapter Two"

In 1979, James Caan reunited with Marsha Mason for the film adaptation of Neil Simon's autobiographical play "Chapter Two". Though the film was a box office success, Caan later admitted to taking the role solely for financial reasons.

1981: "Thief" and Critical Acclaim

In 1981, James Caan starred in the neo-noir film "Thief," directed by Michael Mann. Though not commercially successful at the time, the film and Caan's performance earned critical praise.

1981: Release of "Thief"

James Caan starred in the film "Thief" in 1981.

1981: Death of Barbara Emily Caan

James Caan's sister, Barbara Emily Caan, tragically passed away from leukemia in 1981 at the age of 38.

1982: Alleged Involvement in Assault on Joe Pesci

An FBI intercept in 1982 revealed a conversation between James Caan and mobster Anthony Fiato, where Caan allegedly asked Fiato to assault actor Joe Pesci over an unpaid hotel bill.

1982: Beginning of Acting Hiatus

In 1982, James Caan stepped back from acting, marking the beginning of a hiatus that would last for several years.

1984: "Les Uns et les Autres" Cannes Win

James Caan's film "Les Uns et les Autres" (1981), directed by Claude Lelouch, which was already a success in France, won the Technical Grand Prize at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival.

1985: Car Accident and Financial Challenges

In 1985, James Caan was in a car accident during his time away from acting. Facing financial difficulties, he decided to return to work.

1986: Death of Arthur Caan

Arthur Caan, James Caan's father, passed away in 1986.

1987: Return to Acting with "Gardens of Stone"

After a five-year hiatus, James Caan returned to acting with a role in "Gardens of Stone" in 1987.

1987: End of Acting Hiatus

In 1987, James Caan ended his hiatus from acting, a period marked by personal challenges, and returned to the screen.

1988: Success of "Alien Nation"

James Caan starred in "Alien Nation" in 1988, a science fiction film that achieved commercial success and led to a television spinoff.

September 1990: Marriage to Ingrid Hajek

James Caan married Ingrid Hajek in September 1990.

1990: Starring Role in "Misery"

In 1990, James Caan took on the lead role in Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery," portraying a writer held captive by an obsessive fan.

1991: Birth of Alexander James Caan

James Caan and Ingrid Hajek had a son named Alexander James Caan in 1991.

1991: Co-starring with Bette Midler in "For the Boys"

James Caan co-starred with Bette Midler in the 1991 musical drama "For the Boys," directed by Mark Rydell.

1992: Relationship with Heidi Fleiss

During his marriage to Ingrid Hajek, James Caan was linked to Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss in 1992. While Fleiss claimed a relationship, Caan maintained it was platonic.

1992: Caan Reflects on Hollywood

In a 1992 interview, James Caan reflected on his decision to take a break from acting, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of Hollywood during that period.

1992: Comedic Role in "Honeymoon in Vegas"

James Caan showcased his comedic timing in the 1992 film "Honeymoon in Vegas."

1993: "The Program" and Supporting Roles

In 1993, James Caan played Coach Winters in "The Program" and took on supporting roles in other films.

March 1994: Divorce from Ingrid Hajek

James Caan and Ingrid Hajek divorced in March 1994.

1994: Arrest and Accusation

James Caan was arrested and subsequently released in 1994 following accusations of pulling a gun on a Los Angeles rap artist.

October 7, 1995: Marriage to Linda Stokes

James Caan married Linda Stokes on October 7, 1995.

1995: Collaboration with Son in "A Boy Called Hate"

James Caan appeared alongside his son, Scott Caan, in the 1995 film "A Boy Called Hate."

1996: Appearance in "Eraser"

James Caan appeared in the film "Eraser" in 1996.

1996: Diverse Roles and Collaborations

James Caan took on a range of roles in 1996, including appearances in "North Star," "Bottle Rocket," "Eraser," and "Bulletproof."

1998: Portraying Philip Marlowe and Family Drama

In 1998, James Caan took on the iconic role of Philip Marlowe in the HBO film "Poodle Springs" and appeared in the family drama "This Is My Father."

1998: Birth of Jacob Nicholas Caan

James Caan and Linda Stokes welcomed their son, Jacob Nicholas Caan, in 1998.

1999: Return to Comedic Gangster Role

James Caan returned to a familiar genre in 1999, playing a gangster in the comedy "Mickey Blue Eyes," co-starring Hugh Grant.

1999: Role in "Mickey Blue Eyes"

James Caan took on a role in "Mickey Blue Eyes" in 1999.

2000: Appearance in "The Yards"

James Caan appeared in the film "The Yards" in 2000.

2000: Collaborations and Diverse Roles

James Caan continued to take on a variety of roles in 2000, appearing in films such as "The Yards," "Luckytown," and "The Way of the Gun."

2001: Television Movies and Thrillers

James Caan appeared in television movies like "Warden of Red Rock" and "A Glimpse of Hell" in 2001, along with roles in thriller films.

2002: Role in "City of Ghosts"

James Caan had a role in "City of Ghosts" in 2002.

2002: Supporting Roles and Independent Films

James Caan took on supporting roles in films like "Lathe of Heaven" and "City of Ghosts" in 2002, exploring independent cinema.

2003: "This Thing of Ours" and "Elf"

In 2003, James Caan starred in the crime drama "This Thing of Ours" and had a memorable supporting role in the Christmas comedy "Elf."

2003: Appearance in "Elf"

James Caan appeared in the film "Elf" in 2003.

2003: Critical and Commercial Successes

James Caan experienced both critical acclaim and commercial success in 2003 with roles in Lars von Trier's "Dogville" and the family comedy "Elf."

February 27, 2007: Departure from "Las Vegas"

James Caan announced his departure from the television series "Las Vegas" on February 27, 2007, after four seasons, opting to focus on film projects.

2008: Television and Film Roles

James Caan balanced television and film work in 2008, appearing in the TV movie "Wisegal" and films like "Get Smart" and "New York, I Love You."

2008: Role in "Get Smart"

James Caan took on a role in "Get Smart" in 2008.

2009: Voice Acting and Collaboration with Son

James Caan lent his voice to the animated film "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" in 2009 and appeared in "Mercy," a film written by and starring his son, Scott Caan.

2010: Chairmanship of Openfilm

In 2010, James Caan became the chairman of Openfilm, an internet company aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers.

2011: Appearances in "Detachment" and Other Films

James Caan appeared in the drama film "Detachment" in 2011, along with roles in other films.

2012: Guest Appearance on "Hawaii Five-0"

James Caan made a guest appearance on the re-imagined "Hawaii Five-0" TV series, sharing the screen with his son, Scott Caan, a regular cast member.

2013: Return to Film with "A Fighting Man"

James Caan returned to film work with the release of "A Fighting Man" in 2013.

2013: "Magic City" and "Back in the Game"

James Caan took on the role of Chicago mob kingpin Sy Berman in the Starz TV drama "Magic City" and starred in the sitcom "Back in the Game" in 2013.

2014: "The Outsider" and "Preggoland"

James Caan appeared in the films "The Outsider" and "Preggoland" in 2014.

January 28, 2015: U.S. Premiere of "Preggoland"

"Preggoland" had its U.S. premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 28, 2015.

January 30, 2015: Premiere of "The Throwaways"

The action film "The Throwaways," featuring James Caan, premiered on Crackle on January 30, 2015.

2015: Later Career in Film

James Caan appeared in several films in 2015, including "The Wrong Boyfriend" and "Sicilian Vampire".

2016: Continued Film Work

In 2016, Caan starred in "The Good Neighbor," "The Red Maple Leaf," and "JL Ranch." He also had a role in "Good Enough."

2016: Political Support for Donald Trump

James Caan publicly supported Donald Trump during the 2016 US presidential election.

2016: Death of Sophie Caan

Sophie Caan, James Caan's mother, passed away in 2016.

2017: Divorce Filing from Linda Stokes

Citing irreconcilable differences, James Caan filed for divorce from Linda Stokes in 2017.

2017: Lead Role in "Undercover Grandpa"

James Caan had a lead role in the film "Undercover Grandpa" in 2017.

2019: Starring in "Out of Blue"

James Caan starred in Carol Morley's crime drama "Out of Blue" in 2019.

July 6, 2022: Death of James Caan

James Caan passed away on July 6, 2022.

2023: Final Film Appearance in "Fast Charlie"

James Caan made his final film appearance alongside Pierce Brosnan in the movie "Fast Charlie" in 2023.

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