James Caan plays Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.
Sonny is Vito Corleone’s eldest son and serves as acting head of the family after Vito is shot. Caan’s performance emphasizes Sonny’s impulsive temper, especially in his confrontation with Carlo Rizzi and in the tollbooth ambush.
Caan was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role. The nomination helped establish him as one of the film’s major breakout performers, alongside Al Pacino and Robert Duvall.
A common mix-up is confusing Sonny with Michael, who is played by Pacino. Sonny is the older brother whose violent reaction to Carlo’s abuse of Connie ultimately leads to his death.