For Chicago Bears fans, there’s no movie that quite hits you in the feelings like Brian’s Song, which tells the story of the friendship between Hall of Famer Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo.
James Caan, who played Brian Piccolo in the 1971 film, has died at 82. Caan’s official Twitter shared the news on Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the tweet read.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
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
Caan is best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, where he was nominated as best supporting actor at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes in 1972. But for Bears and sports fans alike, Caan will also be remembered as embodying the late Brian Piccolo.
Caan was big on sharing memories on his Twitter, including last month when he shared a photo of him as Piccolo.
End of tweet pic.twitter.com/FLdNnxYf4L
— James Caan (@James_Caan) June 13, 2022
Every year, the Bears give out the Brian Piccolo Award, which honors one veteran and one rookie who best exemplify “the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo.”
Like the man he once portrayed on screen, Caan will certainly be remembered.
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