Marlon Brando, who brought the formidable Don Vito Corleone to life, passed away on July 1, 2004, at 80, leaving behind a legacy of method acting that continues to inspire today. James Caan, known for his explosive portrayal of Sonny Corleone, followed him on July 6, 2022, at the age of 82. Each actor contributed uniquely to the film’s tapestry, from Richard S. Castellano’s memorable delivery of “Leave the gun, take the cannoli” to Sterling Hayden’s chilling portrayal of the corrupt officer McCluskey.