James Caan Quotes

Author Image

James Caan

Profession : Actor

Birth : March 26, 1940

I'm sort of a Walter Mitty. I got fewer brain cells than most people, so when I got friendly with cowboys, I started rodeoing. When I was calf-roping, there was something about the dirt that made me feel clean.

James Caan

I have nothing against these big CGI movies, but there are not enough of the other ones - the ones with stories about character that have a beginning, a middle and an end. I said that to a couple of studio heads and they said, 'That's novel.'

James Caan

I've never been difficult to anybody or with anybody on a picture. Especially when you're in that nice status of hierarchy of actors and actresses who get to approve directors. Because once you make that choice, it's my belief that the director's boss.

James Caan

I was very fortunate in the '70s to work with the best actors, the best directors, the best cinematographers.

James Caan

People say, 'Gee, you do a lot of mafia movies.' I think I've done two, out of 60.

James Caan

I loved 'Funny Lady' for whatever reason. People say they didn't know I could sing and dance. Well, nobody ever asks me - it's always, 'Punch this guy.'

James Caan

I am no longer willing to take parts in films and/or television shows which detract from the 50 years I have spent building my reputation.

James Caan

It's always more interesting to play the villain.

James Caan

It's hard to tell writers, especially in movies, that words are secondary. Behavior is important.

James Caan

I know what winning and losing is when you gamble.

James Caan

I didn't have parents I could take a million dollars from. We were a lower-class family.

James Caan

My big thing is that I always get typecast.

James Caan

I turned down 'Cuckoo's Nest' four times before Jack got it.

James Caan

The most talented people that I've met in this business are always the nicest.

James Caan

It's always the guys who have absolutely nothing to give that start screaming and yelling about their makeup and trailers. It's a diversion so you don't pay attention to them, because they stink!

James Caan