Classic Film Club

JOHN CAZALE

John Cazale

John Cazale (1978)

Biography

BIO

John Cazale was born John Holland Cazale in Revere, Massachusetts, in 1935.   He studied drama at Boston University before moving to New York City.

He began performing in off-Broadway theatre, winning an Obie Award for his performances in 1967-1968.

Cazale’s first feature film was The Godfather (1972).   After only four pictures, his last performance was in The Deer Hunter (1978).

Cazale met actress Meryl Streep when both were performing in a 1976 off-Broadway play.   They were dating when both were cast for The Deer Hunter.   Cazale had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but insisted on filming anyway.   All of his scenes were shot first and he soon died in 1978, at the age of 42, in New York City before the film was released.


Other Pictures

John Cazale (1978)

Films

NOTED FILMS

The Godfather

The Godfather
  • The Godfather
  • 1972
  • New York mafiosi erupt into an all-out war after the father of one family is hospitalized and his hot-head son takes over day-to-day operations.   Francis Ford Coppola directs Marlon Brando.

The Godfather: Part II

The Godfather: Part II
  • The Godfather: Part II
  • 1974
  • The son takes over as head of the mafia family and proves to be even more violent than his father.   Francis Ford Coppola directs Al Pacino.

The Deer Hunter

The Deer Hunter
  • The Deer Hunter
  • 1978
  • A group of friends fight in the Vietnam War and then struggle to re-integrate themselves after their harrowing tour of duty.   Robert De Niro stars.
Complete filmography at: