History of James Caan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2025

James Caan was a celebrated American actor, best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in the iconic film *The Godfather* (1972). His performance earned him nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Caan's contributions to film were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: Marriage to Dee Jay Mathis

In 1961, James Caan married Dee Jay Mathis.

1964: Birth of daughter Tara

In 1964, James Caan's daughter, Tara, was born.

1966: Divorce from Dee Jay Mathis

In 1966, James Caan divorced Dee Jay Mathis.

1971: Association with Carmine Persico during 'The Godfather' production

In 1971, during the production of 'The Godfather', James Caan was known to associate with Carmine Persico, a notorious mafioso. Government agents briefly mistook Caan as an aspiring mobster.

August 23, 1976: Birth of son Scott Caan

On August 23, 1976, James Caan's son, Scott Caan, who is also an actor, was born.

1982: Caan requests assault on Joe Pesci

In 1982, James Caan reportedly requested that mobster Anthony Fiato beat up Joe Pesci over an unpaid hotel bill.

September 1990: Marriage to Ingrid Hajek

In September 1990, James Caan married Ingrid Hajek.

1991: Birth of son Alexander James Caan

In 1991, James Caan's son, Alexander James Caan, was born.

1992: Heidi Fleiss claims relationship with Caan

In 1992, Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss claimed to be in a relationship with James Caan while he was married to Ingrid Hajek. Caan denied the claims.

March 1994: Divorce from Ingrid Hajek

In March 1994, James Caan divorced Ingrid Hajek.

1994: Arrest after accusation of pulling a gun

In 1994, James Caan was arrested and released after being accused by a Los Angeles rap artist of pulling a gun on him.

October 7, 1995: Marriage to Linda Stokes

On October 7, 1995, James Caan married Linda Stokes.

1998: Birth of son Jacob Nicholas Caan

In 1998, James Caan's son, Jacob Nicholas Caan, was born.

2003: Roles in 'This Thing of Ours' and 'Elf'

In 2003, James Caan played Jimmy the Con in 'This Thing of Ours' and Will Ferrell's father in the comedy 'Elf'. He also won the role of "Big Ed" Deline in 'Las Vegas'.

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February 27, 2007: Departure from 'Las Vegas'

On February 27, 2007, James Caan announced his departure from the TV show 'Las Vegas' after its fourth season in order to return to film work. He was replaced by Tom Selleck.

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2008: Roles in 'Wisegal', 'Get Smart', and 'New York, I Love You'

In 2008, James Caan had a role in the TV movie 'Wisegal', played the President in the film 'Get Smart', and appeared in 'New York, I Love You'.

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2009: Roles in 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs', 'Middle Men', and 'Mercy'

In 2009, James Caan had roles in 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs', 'Middle Men', and 'Mercy', which was written by his son Scott Caan, who also starred in it.

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2010: Role in 'Henry's Crime' and chairman of Openfilm

In 2010, James Caan appeared in 'Henry's Crime' and became the chairman of Openfilm, an Internet company for up-and-coming filmmakers.

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2011: Role in 'Detachment'

In 2011, James Caan appeared in the film 'Detachment'.

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2012: Roles in 'Small Apartments', 'That's My Boy', 'For the Love of Money' and Guest appearance in 'Hawaii Five-0'

In 2012, James Caan appeared in 'Small Apartments', 'That's My Boy', and 'For the Love of Money'. He also guest-starred on 'Hawaii Five-0' with his son, Scott Caan.

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