John Cazale Biography

John Cazale was an American actor best remembered for playing the character of ‘Fredo Corleone’ in the Academy Award-winning movie ‘The Godfather’. He was one of the finest character actors in Hollywood and was regarded very highly by his peers and fellow actors. Cazale had actually worked in only five films and one television short film in his career which was cut short by his untimely death from cancer. However, within the short span of his career he established himself as a fine actor and worked alongside several big names like Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. Starting his professional career the hard way, he struggled a lot initially to establish himself. Cazale ultimately earned success and fame in the film industry through his dedication and hard work. His career was moving on the right track when he suddenly became ill and passed away within a year. In his memory, a documentary film titled ‘I Knew It Was You’ was screened at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. It featured many popular figures including his long-term friend and actor Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman, Francis Ford Coppola, Steve Buscemi, and Sidney Lumet, giving their views and insight on his character and greatness.