Al Pacino hails his ‘dear friend’ James Caan

• Caan, who played Michael Corleone in the ‘Godfather’ films, passed away at the age of 82.
• Pacino described Caan as “a great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend”.
• Al Pacino hails starred alongside Caan in the ‘Godfather’ films.

Al Pacino hails starred alongside Caan in the ‘Godfather’ films, and he’s paid a glowing tribute to his former co-star, after he passed away at the age of 82.

The iconic actor – who played Michael Corleone in the crime films – said in a statement to People: “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.”

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In addition, the venerable actor praised Caan, who passed away on Wednesday 7 July, for being a “brilliant director.”

He said: “A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I’m gonna miss him.”

Also paying tribute to the Hollywood great is Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Caan in the “Godfather” movies.

The 83-year-old filmmaker heaped praise on Caan, describing him as “someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion-picture figure I’ve ever known”.

He continued: “From those earlier times working together on ‘The Rain People’ and throughout all the milestones of my life, his films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. He will always be my old friend from Sunnyside, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.”

On Thursday, Caan’s family released a statement announcing the actor’s passing.

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The message read: “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.”