Hollywood has been mourning the loss of James Caan, who died Wednesday (July 6) at age 82. The Godfather star’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with admirers, friends and former costars sharing stories and kind words in his memory.
Paul Schrader, writer of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull took to Facebook to write an interesting story about his apparent “only memory” of the late actor.
“My only memory of James Caan. 1978. I was in Vegas on a Sunday with Jim Toback playing the sports book. Last game of the day,” says Schrader in the post. “There was 6-8 of us in Caan’s large MGM suite. We were all clothed except Caan who was naked. Don’ know why. He was in great shape. Maybe that was the reason. We’d bet opposite sides of the game (I believe Cinci was playing).”
He added: “My bet was smallish, Caan’s largish. James Caan became increasingly upset with my increasingly vocal cheering. Words were exchanged. Next thing I know he has his hands on me. My reaction was to respond but at the last moment sanity intervened. “I’m not going to get in a fight with a bulked up naked actor in his suite surrounded by four of his thuggish buds”–it occurred to me. So I split and headed for the airport and watched in the lounge as Caan’s team beat the spread.”
Schrader is also known for directing American Gigolo and First Reformed, among a number of other titles. While the story hasn’t been confirmed nor denied, it’s certainly an interesting one!
Caan’s death was announced in a message posted to his official Twitter account Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the message read. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Further details about his passing were not immediately available.
Caan is survived by one daughter and four sons from different marriages. You can read more details about the actor’s career via our tribute post.