James Caan, Ray Liotta, and Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts) died recently.  They are gone but their film and television work will live on forever.  Caan in “The “Godfather”, Liotta in “Good Fellas” and Sirico in “The Sopranos” were unforgettable in three American classics. 

Caan’s depiction of Sonny, the volatile son and brother in “The Godfather” won him an academy award nomination.  His career exploded when he portrayed Brian Piccolo in the television movie, “Brian’s Song”.  Caan won an Emmy for his portrayal of the Chicago Bears football player who is stricken with cancer.  Caan’s other career highlight is the 1981 film “Thief”. Caan plays a safe-cracker with depth and cool.

Liotta burst into film history as the lead in “Good Fellas”.  The movie is told from the perspective of Liotta’s character, Henry Hill.  The world of crime and drugs is developed through Liotta’s unforgettable experiences.  Liotta’s other great work was in “Something Wild” and “Field of Dreams”.

Sirico became an actor after seeing ex-convicts perform a play in prison.  Sirico had served time for robbery and assault.  He became fascinated by acting and was cast in many parts as a gangster.  His work in Woody Allen’s “Bullets over Broadway” led him to his classic role as Paulie Walnuts in “The Sopranos”.  Sirico starred in “Pine Barrens” an episode of “The Sopranos” that has been recognized as one of the top five episodes in television history. 

All of them were famous for playing tough guys.  But, their genius was finding the ability to display sensitivity.  Caan, Liotta, and Sirico had long careers but their deaths were still a shock.

What are your favorite roles by these three unforgettable actors?