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John Cazale's Death
- John Cazale
- Actor
- August 12, 1935
- March 12, 1978
- Cancer
The life and death of John Cazale:
He was never the leading man, but this sad-eyed character actor appeared in no less than five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards: "The Godfather"…
… "Godfather II"…
… "The Deer Hunter"…
…"Dog Day Afternoon"…
…and, "The Conversation."
John Holland Cazale was born in Revere, Massachusetts. He was a Drama student at Oberlin College and Boston University, and after moving to New York City, worked as a messenger at Standard Oil, where he met another aspiring actor: Al Pacino.
They could have never imagined at the time how much screen history they would later make together. They started acting in various small plays together and it culminated when they were both cast in "The Godfather". Pacino was the strong brother, Michael. Cazale was the slow-witted Fredo.
They reprised their roles in the sequel, where Cazale showed a sharper edge.
Cazale also performed on film and stage with another star from the Godfather series, Robert DeNiro.
And he was linked to yet another film giant, but in a personal sense. His girlfriend was Meryl Streep until the time of his death.
Even though he was diagnosed with lung cancer, Cazale continued acting and died soon at age 42 after completing his role in "the Deer Hunter".
John Cazale is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.
