Straight talk from James Caan

Few of the characters he's famed for playing, in such classics as "The Godfather," "Brian's Song" and "Misery," can compare to the man himself. Oscar-nominated actor James Caan talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his rise from the streets of Queens, N.Y., to the heights of stardom (as well as the depths of depression), and about experiencing the joy of his craft and the respect of his peers.
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[@francescadesmond8846]

Even at 81 he was tough, sexy & ruggedly handsome with a bigger than life persona. RIP James Caan. You were indeed one of the best.

[@pr1ncekr0n1k]

Rip James Caan, thank you for all the great memories and performances. One of a kind. Rest easy! We’ll never forget you!!

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Cinderella liberty, what a great movie! James Caan, I miss you already. Job well done! You have earned your rest. 🌆

[@troynov1965]

RIP Mr Caan , watched you in the movies my whole life starting with you and the Duke in El Dorado. Thanks for all the entertainment you have given me. Godspeed

[@imblackandlazyallidoiscryw3089]

James Caan is super underrated, he’s one of the best!

[@BunyanaRed1958]

Yeah absolutely.

[@JonathanJamesMason100]

He has passed away 💔

[@christopherayers4871]

RIP

[@janvanveelen]

The word 'underrated' is 'overused'. Caan was not underrated at all but had a worldwide following his whole career.

[@waynej2608]

I thought he was a highly talented and versatile actor. One of my favorites. Really liked him in THIEF, a truly terrific film, among many great Caan performances. R.I.P., Santino.

[@margaretpeabody243]

Ben nailed it with, "tough guy with a tender heart."

[@RobJoswiak]

I saw this last year and got the feeling we didn't have a long time left with him. Loved him in the Casino series he did beyond all of his great films. RIP to a legend.

[@seamusin1697]

Yeah, this is my first time seeing this clip but I see what you mean. Were I to guess, I would gather that he suffered a stroke at some point as he seems to have signs of slight paralysis on his left side. He was a great actor who unfortunately never got all of the great roles he deserved and should have been in more filma that really showcased his talents and range as an actor.

[@gardensofthegods]

I used to watch Casino ... yeah that was good , I really enjoyed him in it .

[@mjfisher1199]

RIP, Mr. Caan. Thank you for your talent and entertainment over the years.

[@llynnie888]

In this whole depiction, the sweetest part was the love for his sister & his children.

[@patcavasin5947]

RIP James Caan.....unforgetable as Sonny in the Godfather.

[@josephvitielo1693]

And Brian Piccollo

[@Brandon-qr6rg]

Rest In Peace to a legend. He will be truly missed.

[@captainnemo190]

He was brilliant in Misery☺️

[@humfreycollins2422]

James you deserve all the respect in the world!!! What a wonderful actor and human being you were. Rest in peace.

[@violapittman8039]

Yeah I'm definitely a James Caan fan. He's has been a seriously, great, handsome and talented actor. RIP 🙏

[@gregory46236]

I was 8 years old when Brian's Song premiered. Cried like a baby. 50 years later, still cry like a baby.

[@debbiecooper1677]

sames here

[@jnmwtkns]

Its deep .

[@701CPD]

I was 18 and a college freshman when I watched "Brian's Song" in the TV room of my dorm with about 10 other guys. When it was over, we all quietly got up and left. Nobody said a word. None of us wanted anyone else to see how choked up we all were.

[@leonardodalongisland]

For some reasons my school played this film every year (in the 70's) and although none of us boys ever showed it (we all cried) at each screening.

[@othaVada]

My Dad got me to watch Brian's Song. What a great film & memory with my Dad! I hope you find that role your looking for Mr. Caan.

[@deputybluevein93]

RIP, what an actor and a gentleman

[@Lolabelle59]

Can't wait to see Caan in a new movie. Hope somebody writes him a great part.

[@bored1ca]

He was amazing in Michael Mann's Thief - that to me was his apex. I wish Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino would get him into their next project.

[@Lolabelle59]

Yes! He is a natural for those two directors.

[@jorgeespinosa3179]

Totally agree on both points. “Thief” is a great movie, and his acting was never better.

[@classicrock9262]

The soundtrack to Thief was out of this world....Tangerine Dream

[@bored1ca]

@@classicrock9262 one of several amazing soundtracks they have recorded

[@robertvc4716]

Awesome movie! Should see it more …

[@billlonee9470]

I worked with him for about a week, seven or eight years back. I really liked the guy. A real straight shooter.

[@RJTheQuizzer]

R.I.P James, he was a legendary actor ❤️

[@christopherallen9580]

James still looks trim and fit at 81

[@gailreese4102]

Fifty years later, "Brian's Song" (w/James Caan & Billy Dee Wiliams), remains one of the greatest classic moments in tv history.

[@gardensofthegods]

If you like that movie you might like another sports tear-jerker movie this one with Robert De Niro called Bang the Drums Slowly .

[@gardensofthegods]

I remember watching Brian song with my older sisters and my mom when it first debuted and yes we were devastated when his character died in it and that song oh my God that song really was so sad haha

[@aileentongue2990]

Thank you for all your work. Will never forget. Prayers and hugs to his family and friends that knew and loved him.

[@simplyron6359]

You have done your craft proud. Well done Mr Caan.

[@joe_8699]

The good neighbor was the most recent I've seen him in and it was good. He's a real treasure. Great actor.

[@alwayssme]

loved seeing this interview, he still looked amazing here, one of my fave actors ever ! rest in peace James

[@basilmarasco1975]

Mr. Caan: Your five or so minutes in the flashback scene at the end of "Godfather Part II" was an amazing and perfect wrap-up to those two remarkable films.

[@harperstacey9604]

James can is the best actor in Hollywood.

[@wotan10950]

They didn’t mention his directorial debut: Hide in Plain Sight. A very good picture, undeservedly ignored. It’s an edge of the seat story, skillfully directed. I read that Caan was so disappointed by the critical response, he never directed again. Also, his movie with Streisand, where he performed some fine singing.

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

As a fellow Queens native, I salute you Mr Caan.

[@paulsalerno6362]

Rip James Caan. One of my all time favorite and real people. 🙏🏻❤️🌹

[@massabielle2821]

El Dorado: Wayne, Mitchum, and Caan………….be still, my heart! He’s total old school glamour and class!

[@jogman262]

Wayne: “Well I’ll tell you Mississippi, that’s the coolest hat I’ve ever seen yah hah yah hah.”

[@kellyroyds5040]

In the 5th grade we had to watch Brian's Song in class. Everyone cried. Much respect for Mr Caan.

[@keetonplace]

Wish they would show movies like that now in 5th grade.

[@robertboyce6043]

They herded the whole school into the lunch room to watch it when I was in 3rd grade (1974). Not a dry eye in the house.

[@harperstacey9604]

The movie was a tear jerker.

[@jogman262]

“..but rather how he lived. How he did live.”

[@195511SM]

I loved his work in 'Misery'.

[@zelmoziggy]

I was an extra in the movie "The Program," in which Caan played a football coach. At one point I said "badda beep badda bap badda boop badda beep" as he was walking a few feet away from me, and he turned around to look. The highlight of my film career.

[@johnwattdotca]

Something tells me that if James Caan lightened up on his definition of the respect he wants, he'd find out he's getting it all the time.

[@jennydannyp7229]

This man was an ICON ! May he rest in peace an give his family strength to get through this difficult time!

[@lanadale1479]

A Great Actor!!! We will forever Miss you.

[@lorenakerr90]

He’s aged so well. My heart goes out to him.

[@JonathanJamesMason100]

He has passed away 💔

[@strnglhld]

@@JonathanJamesMason100 YEAH WE KNOW!

[@darkgable85]

​@@strnglhldwho's we.... He wasn't talking to you

[@AcrobaticAlien88]

Rip Jimmy Caan. Memories will last forever.

[@flybynightgirl]

James was awesome 👍 loved him in Elf. "Can get tucked in ". Best cool guy. The Vegas show was great , too. RIP

[@chuckgabringer757]

He was a master at his craft.

[@nospin1394]

Thought he was great in the tv series Las Vegas too. One of my favorite actors.

[@dbrewer53]

He played that Vegas part perfectly . In fact he made the show work. It went downhill with Tom Selleck

[@jogman262]

He was also in a short lived comedy series called ‘Back in the Game’ 2013-2014. He played an ex-minor league baseball manager who’s recently divorced daughter and family come to live with him. Didn’t last long unfortunately.

[@Dooguy]

LEGEND its that simple. You know your getting old when all your heros are leaving the world.

[@coolcat6303]

First time I saw him was in the late 80’s flick “Alien Nation”. He was hilarious in that as the cantankerous cop who has to reluctantly work with an alien detective played to perfection by Mandy Patinkin.

[@MissyA1966]

My two favorite movies are El Dorado (1966 yr I was born) with John Wayne & Robert Mitchum. And Brian's Song (1972). I Love, Love El Dorado! My Dad & I watch it every time it comes on 📺 🖥!! My Dad is 93yrs.old now & in the hospital battling for his life. When he is gone I will continue watching it & think of my wonderful, strong Daddy & the laughter we shared watching El Dorado. ❤😂😢

[@hockley91]

I think I first saw him in Alien Nation in 1988. I was 15 or 16 at the time and thought it was an awesome film. He did great in that movie as well as Mandy Patinkin.

[@robertabrams8562]

I was very saddened to hear about his death last week. He’s been one of my faves since “Brian’s Song”! RIP brother

[@voiceguy3635]

He still looks like himself--something very few Hollywood actors can say at that age,though now he could probably play the Brando role.Very talented actor.

[@gernotrainer7554]

One of the best actors of Hollywood was pasing away. A real Legend. Thank you Mr. Caan for all the great moments you give to your audience. Also i hope his family has good power to come clear with this hard situation. In my eyes Eraser and the role as Sonny were great projects of him. Also Micky Blue Eyes was funny.

[@sbhamba]

I met him on Ventura Blvd and Vineland his friend Rob in a red Porsche 924 was picking him up, he signed an autograph for me, he is a great bloke. This was mid 90s. Great times.

[@vojaro5669]

He still looks great. Some good director hire this man. He’s always been fantastic … a great all around actor. This every female actress can’t be older than 25 and every male actor can’t be over 50 in America sucks. It keeps the younger generation and everyone else from viewing some great acting. Hire this man in another fantastic role!!

[@edwardcochran5060]

AMEN!

[@elaineburnett5230]

Do it!

[@TubbyBrewster11]

25? I get your point but most actresses are over 25, there’s very few I can think of that are under that age.

[@iamjatt1892]

Mr Caan greatest role is Godfather, Thief, Gambler, Brian Songs, Rollerball, Cinderella Liberty, Rain People, Garden Of Stone and very funny in Freebie & The Bean.. A true Holywood legend.

[@jogman262]

He should have gotten an Academy Award nomination for ‘Cinderella Liberty’. Highly underrated performance.

[@nicholvargas563]

My hat goes off to his versatility. Prayers to his family and friends.

[@sandygermond3359]

RIP James Caan, and thankyou for your gift.❤

[@JorgePerez-jg5cm]

He is truly one of a kind he will be missed RIP Mr Caan.

[@amyntut]

As a huge Stephen king fan, I loved him in Misery. Even though James didn't like being in bed and sitting for most of the movie.

[@imblackandlazyallidoiscryw3089]

Lol that’s a great movie

[@sshaw4429]

He was one of a kind! RIP. Your body of work speaks loud and clear.

[@frankpaquet295]

He still sounds like Mr. New York! He's a good actor, hope that he gets to be in something else that he loves. (Sandi)

[@torikeqi8710]

Rest in peace James Caan. May God be with you. One of the greatest actor of all times. A legend and example to follow. All the great ones are leaving...

[@rogerwinters9856]

I just love his movies he is such a handsome man with great talent, one of my favorites is Cinderella Liberty.

[@michaelmilburn9638]

One of the greatest actors of all time!! Can’t believe they didn’t mention Freebie & the bean & Las Vegas!!

[@kennethwayne6857]

Don't forget Chapter Two, one of his best. Not easy to play comedy.

[@VintageBoxingTM]

Glad you said it!!! Freebie & The Bean was one of my favourites growing up🙏

[@DropZone33]

One of the great actors of the 20th Century!

[@elizabethloren-broz2680]

You were GREAT and I mostly remember you from Godfather - even though you were not Italian -Sonny was as Italian as Italian can be. Thanks for the memories-you will be missed indeed !!! RIP .

[@Mrrnobody]

Sometimes it's just about respect. RIP to a legend 🤝

[@steelermule]

Its funny watching his son on 5-0 ,,he has the exact same mannerisms as Dad !

[@melissatyree566]

Rest in peace mr. Caan, enjoyed your movies.

[@lisica8458]

My favorite James Caan scene: When he bangs Carlo's head repeatedly with the garbage can cover in The Godfather.

[@isaacregalado1417]

Ppp]

[@Lolabelle59]

Mine, too, and let's not forget when he bites Carlo's knuckles.

[@lisica8458]

@@Lolabelle59 I also like when he spots Carlo, charges and throws a stick at him.

[@charlesriver6628]

Before beating Carlo, when he exits his Continental, the bat or club he hurls at him was his improvisation! Perfect!!

[@sbgoldma]

RIP to a true legend !!! One of the tough guys. You will be missed Mr.Caan 😢

[@charlesriver6628]

Always loved this guy! He’s one of my idols

[@pamelafolger8449]

Brian's Song is Beautiful!! Real Men Do Cry!💖💖💖😊😊😊💖💖💖💖

[@nlp6082]

Another great interview with a Hollywood legend!

[@balerjohnson3099]

James Caan has always been one of my favorite actors . Certainly the God father was great but I loved " the thief " and the gambler " ..Jimmy was an authentic human being and told it like it was . Great actor , thank you jimmy Caan ....rest easy my friend

[@markothwriter]

I was on set with James Caan two times and he's a lot more conservative than the media thinks he is. He was totally supportive of the military and Israel.

[@djwalkerfemaledj]

Cool

[@keetonplace]

So glad to hear that.

[@sugreev2001]

That is great. Hollywood, otherwise, is a cesspool of Anti-American Anti-White racist traitors.

[@coolcat6303]

@@sugreev2001 MAGA hatter alert 🚨

[@deborahcady4100]

Supports Israel cuz he's Jewish, not Italian!

[@juliecorona9744]

♥️♥️♥️Love all his work… Excellent Actor💔💔May his soul RIP!!😢😭♥️♥️Sending Love From Los Angeles, CA. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BillofRights1951]

He held his own nicely in Funny Lady, though they didn't give him that much to work with. Solid comedic chops, and he showed true chemistry with Streisand....she who sucks all the air out of the room.

[@ramonhernandez1623]

RIP to a legend. Great actor

[@colleenhenry8022]

Will miss him but will always remember him, from Sunnyside, Queens

[@gardensofthegods]

It would have been great if last year when they did this interview they could have had him interview James Caan for an hour and they could have put it on TV on CBS some other time like in the evening . You know he must have some incredible stories from all his years in film and it just would have been wonderful hearing him talk about all the different people he worked with ... and the time allotted here was simply not enough . RIP Champ .

[@timheidel5849]

I loved him in "Thief"...

[@samanthab1923]

The best. Michael Mann

[@jogman262]

There you go.

[@johngullo9420]

Same. This movie is so underrated.

[@jogman262]

Not only a great role for Caan but the soundtrack from Tangerine Dream was mesmerizing.

[@gato0082]

Oh yeah forgot about thief..... Wow ... ❣️👀🙏

[@yelenakocheleva382]

He is the best. God bless his heart ❤️

[@xxxyyy4668]

RIP Legend !

[@Fan_Made_Videos]

James' cockiness in movies was always earnest and with purpose. You knew his character was fragile but you knew he was strong inside.

[@kato64]

The type of actor who gets you to tune into whatever they’re in, simply because they’re in it. One of my favourite Caan flicks more on the lighter side is “Mickey Blue Eyes”, a comedic spin on his mobster persona.

[@jorge70847]

Yes! I was surprised it wasn’t mentioned. And i loved his hit tv show VEGAS

[@dk60ish]

He was the real deal & clearly lived his life to the fullest, R.I.P.

[@edithcarter3554]

Rest in peace Mr Caan. You were a wonderful actor and will be missed.

[@donnasalerno9870]

I've admired him for decades. RIP

[@tomsquires6752]

Your gave us some great times.Thank you James.we will always remember you.!

[@wesleypratt221]

Theif is a Masterpiece. Great Film, great performance by Caan

[@bigjohnson448]

Much Respect RIP

[@dragonfly6908]

I had a crush on James Caan in the 1970's when he was in his prime.

[@sharonlamparter9891]

Love James Caan! Very under rated actor! Godfather and Brians Song. The best!!

[@2taggs2]

Just heard of his death. Very sad. At least he thought he had one more role in him before his demise. Despite my disagreement in that assessment, I hoped he would prove me wrong. IDC what anyone says, his greatest acting role was in "Misery" RIP James Caan

[@Setmose]

“Eraser” was a lot of fun. He kept his half of the movie, with Arnold holding the other half. Also a nice support from James Coburn.

[@jogman262]

Have to put ‘Roller Ball’ on my James Caan-athon to watch.

[@coolcat6303]

Luv that movie. Especially the scene where Arnold jumps out of the lear jet and they try to ram him with the plane 🛩😲

[@mikepetersen9887]

He was also great in Blood Ties.. RIP Jimmy Caan. One of the greatest

[@Primevals33]

I love James. Incredible actor !

[@darkgable85]

RIP JIMMY.... One of the best underrated actors of his generation

[@gailwebb9619]

@Let Your L⚡️GHT Forever Shine ❤️ how many times are you going to post this same nonsense?

[@charlottebarnes6761]

He was the greatest actor in the God Father and a Great actor of all times

[@midwesternertk3714]

Such a great actor. Keep him working Hollywood in quality roles!

[@raineyj560]

We all die but Caan is of those actors you wished lived forever ❤️💔

[@Mike-fp5rc]

It's interesting that in all his interviews and retrospective on his vast career, there is never a mention of Funny Lady with Barbra Streisand. Critics ripped it to shreds, but it was a ginormous hit in 1975. I'm guessing there is no love loss between Jimmy and Babs.

[@jogman262]

‘Freebie and the Bean’ was a highly underrated movie too.

[@Mike-fp5rc]

@@jogman262 OMG I haven't heard of that movie in years.