“Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend;” said Al Pacino, who starred alongside Caan in 1972’s The Godfather.

“It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I loved him, gonna miss him.”

“I’m very very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing.” – Robert De Niro, who starred in 1974’s The Godfather: Part II, said in a statement.

“Team Mates and friends till the end. RIP Jimmy.” – Billy Dee Williams, who starred with Caan in the 1971 TV football movie Brian’s Song, via Twitter.

Kathy Bates, who starred with Caan in Misery, said: “I can’t believe Jimmy’s gone. Working with him on ‘Misery’ was one of the most profound experiences of my career.”

“When you watch his performance, his terror, it’s as though he’s watching a snake. Brilliant. So many memories flooding back today. He was kind. Hilarious. He would have something insightfully funny to say right now. I’m bereft,” she said.

Barbara Streisand, who starred with Cann in the 1975 film Funny Lady, said: “I’m so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was so talented.”

Director Michael Mann, who worked with Caan on the 1981 film Thief, also paid tribute.

“Jimmy was not just a great actor with total commitment and a venturesome spirit, but he had a vitality in the core of his being that drove everything from his art and friendship to athletics and very good times,” he said.

“Loved him very much. Always wanted to be like him. So happy I got to know him. Never ever stopped laughing when I was around that man. His movies were best of the best.” – Adam Sandler, via Twitter.

“Was lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a person even more. Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong.” – Andy Richter, who appeared with Caan in the 2003 movie Elf, via Twitter.

“Always a fun guy to be around. He was always supportive of my career. He even did a cameo in my tv special and got Robert Duvall to be in it. A highlight of my career. God bless James Caan. – Jon Lovitz, via Twitter.

“I will always remember him not only as a brilliant actor but as a man of humor & warmth playing with my 1 year old son on set.” – Jill Hennessy, who appeared with Caan in the TV series, Las Vegas, via Twitter.

“So sad about Jimmy Caan. He was a legend. He was always kind to me. Sending his family my love.” – Maria Shriver, via Twitter.

-AAP