Tributes pour in for The Godfather star James Caan after death aged 82

James Caan was renowned for a string of key films in the 1970s. Credit: AP

Tributes have poured in for James Caan, the American actor renowned for his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, after his family announced his death in a statement shared on social media.

The news was released by his official Twitter account on Thursday evening, a day after the 82-year-old actor's death.

"The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time," the statement read.

Born in 1940 in the Bronx, New York City, his big break came in 1972 when he played Sonny in the mafia epic The Godfather, a role which saw him nominated for an Oscar.

The classic crime saga, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, also stars Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Marlon Brando, who played his father in the film.

The actor reprised the role of the gangster in The Godfather Part II two years later.

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, left and James Caan as Sonny Corleone, right. Credit: AP

Tributes have flooded in across the film industry as fellow actors paid their respects to one of the leading figures in Hollywood throughout the 1970s.

Antonio Banderas, a Spanish actor known for roles in Philadelphia, Zorro and the Spy Kids series, described James Caan as “a great actor”. He paid his "deepest condolences to all of his family and loved ones."

Singer and actress Barbra Streisand tweeted: “I’m so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented."

Adding to the tributes, actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger described Caan as an "icon" and "a legend" who "inspired everyone".

Caan - who initially planned on pursuing a career as an American Football player - had a successful career that spanned decades.

He earned an Emmy nomination as the terminal cancer-stricken Chicago Bears back Brian Piccolo in the 1971 biographical drama Brian's Song.

The actor’s other notable credits include starring in psychological thriller Misery, action film Thief and another crime hit The Gambler.

Other appearances include Honeymoon In Vegas, Bulletproof and Mickey Blue Eyes.

The New Yorker, known for his partying lifestyle, was married four different times and leaves behind five children.

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