John Cazale
ActingAbout John Cazale
John Holland Cazale (August 12, 1935 - March 12, 1978) was an American actor. He appeared in five films during six years, each one nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Deer Hunter. He appeared in archival footage in The Godfather Part III, also nominated for Best Picture, making him the only actor to have this multi-film distinction. From his start as a theater actor, he became one of Hollywood's premier character actors, starting with his role as the doomed, weak-minded Fredo Corleone opposite longtime friend Al Pacino in Francis Ford Coppola's film The Godfather and its 1974 sequel.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Cazale reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 10 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Crime
The majority of John Cazale's filmography leans towards the Crime genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 80% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Cazale remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best John Cazale Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Cazale's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Cazale.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980 | Fredo Corleone | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Freshman | Fredo Corleone (archive footage) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959 | Frederico "Fredo" Corleone | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Deer Hunter | Stan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Dog Day Afternoon | Sal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Godfather Part II | Frederico 'Fredo' Corleone | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Conversation | Stan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Godfather | Fredo Corleone | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The American Way | Beatnik | Flop | Similar → |
John Cazale - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Cazale?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Cazale is "The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959" with a rating of 8.9/10.
How many movies has John Cazale acted in?
John Cazale has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Cazale?
Other notable films include "The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980", "The Godfather", and "The Godfather Part II".