“The Godfather” hit theaters in 1972 and instantly became one of the greatest films of all time. Let’s look back at this iconic cast and see what they look like today.
Al Pacino
Al Pacino played Michael Corleone, the star of “The Godfather” trilogy. He was a heartthrob back in the day and a talent to be reckoned with, as is evidenced by his Oscar nomination for the role. He went on to star in the subsequent two movies. He even got a Best Actor nomination for “The Godfather Part II.”
Today, Pacino is enjoying late-in-life fatherhood, having had his fourth child at age 84, according to CNN.
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton played Pacino’s girlfriend in “The Godfather,” and later turned their movie romance into a real-life relationship. Keaton and Pacino began dating while filming “The Godfather Part II, although Keaton said she was “really very taken with Al from the very beginning.â Both Keaton and Pacino looked back on their relationship fondly despite eventually breaking up.
Unfortunately, Keaton passed away in 2025. Her death prompted friends, coworkers, and fans to post moving tributes to the star, remembering her impact both personally and professionally. Luckily, her work lives on in her films, including “The Godfather.”
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando played the titular “Godfather,” a role that earned him the Best Actor award at the 45th Oscars. However, he declined the invitation, sending Native American civil rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. He was protesting Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans, according to History.
Brando tragically passed away in 2004 at the age of 80. He, Keaton, Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, Al Lettieri, Abe Vigoda, John Cazale, Rudy Bond, Al Martino, Morgana King, Lenny Montana, Richard Bright, Alex Rocco, Tony Giorgio, Vito Scotti, Victor Rendina, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero, Angelo Infanti, Franco Citti, Saro Urzi, and Corrado Gaipa are all cast members that have passed away since “The Godfather” came out, as has James Caan.
James Caan
James Caan played Sonny Corleone, Michael’s older brother with a hot temper. This temper gets Sonny in trouble, although we won’t spoil exactly what happens. Caan, like Pacino, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film, showing just how talented he really is.
Today, audiences may be more familiar with Caan for his work on the oft-aired Christmas movie “Elf.” He sadly passed away at age 82 in 2022.
Talia Shire
Talia Shire played Brando’s only daughter, who, at the start of the film, is about to get married. Shire’s character, Connie, is the reason for one of the film’s most iconic lines: “You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to do murder, for money,” which “The Godfather” says to Amerigo Bonasera, an undertaker.
After “The Godfather,” Shire went on to have a very fruitful career. She was nominated for an Oscar for reprising her role in “The Godfather Part II.” She also played the titular character’s love interest in the “Rocky” movies, for which she received another Oscar nod. Most recently, she starred alongside Vince Vaughn in “Nonnas.”
“The Godfather” is available to stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
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