Oscar-nominated star James Caan, who is best known for playing the role of Sony Corleone in The Godfather franchise has died aged 82. The news was confirmed by his manager as well as his family.

“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’s family wrote in a tweet shared from his official account. Meanwhile, his manager said, “Jimmy was one of the greatest. Not only was he one of the best actors our business has ever seen, he was funny, loyal, caring and beloved.”

James Caan, who began working in Hollywood in the 1960s, gained recognition for his tragic portrayal of Sony Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 classic The Godfather. He received an Oscar nomination for his work in the movie. His co-stars and legendary actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro paid their tributes.

“Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I loved him, gonna miss him,” Al Pacino, who starred in 1972′s The Godfather wrote, while Robert De Niro, who starred in 1974′s The Godfather: Part II, said, “I’m very very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing.”

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.

End of tweet

— James Caan (@James_Caan) July 7, 2022