John Cazale - Actor Profile

John Cazale

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
10Total Films
8.9 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 8, 1935
Birth Place: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

About 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.

John Cazale Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of John Cazale reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 10 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of John Cazale's work falls within the Crime genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 80% of John Cazale's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best John Cazale Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Cazale's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie John Cazale has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901–1959 Frederico "Fredo" Corleone Super Hit Similar →
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 →
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 Trilogy: 1901-1980" 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: The Complete Epic 1901–1959", "The Godfather", and "The Godfather Part II".

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