Died on this day: John Cazale An Italian-American, Cazale only made five feature films in his career, all which many fans and critics alike call classics. But before his film debut, the short The American Way (1962) he won numerous Obie Awards for his stage performances in The Indian Wants the Bronx and The Line. Cazale scored the role of Fredo Corleone in Francis Ford Coppolas The Godfather (1972), after his long time friend, Al Pacino, invited him to audition. He reprised his role as the troubled Fredo in The Godfather: Part II (1974), where his character endures one of the most infamous movie moments in the history of cinema. Cazale also starred with Gene Hackman and Harrison Ford in the thriller, The Conversation (1974), as Hackmans assistant, Stan. The Godfathers director, Francis Ford Coppola, also directed the movie. Cazales fourth feature film, Dog Day Afternoon (1975), earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sal, a bank robber. His long time friend and Godfather co-star, Al Pacino, played his partner, Sonny. His final film, The Deer Hunter (1978), was filmed whilst he was ill with cancer. He was in a relationship with his co-star, Meryl Streep, whilst filming The Deer Hunter (1978), whom he met when they both appeared in the New York Public Theaters 1976 production of Shakespeares Measure for Measure. Controversy occurred during the filming. While the studio was unaware of his condition, the director, Michael Cimino, knew about it. As Cazale was evidently weak, he was forced to film his scenes first. When the studio discovered he was suffering from cancer, they wanted him removed from the film. His co-star and girlfriend, Meryl Streep, threatened to quit if he was fired. He died shortly after filming was completed. He died on this day in 1978. He was only 43. If youre only going to have time to make five feature films, I guess The Dear Hunter, The God Father, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon and The God Father II, films that defined a decade, are an acceptable way to leave a legacy.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 21:14:34 +0000
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