Godfather Cast Then And Now Fifty Years Later

More than fifty years after its release, The Godfather remains a towering figure in the world of cinema. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo’s bestselling novel, the 1972 film has become synonymous with both critical acclaim and pop culture reverence. On December 28, 2025, the BBC marked this enduring legacy by airing the film on BBC2, reminding audiences once again why the story of the Corleone family continues to captivate viewers across generations (as reported by Everything Gossip).

Upon its debut, The Godfather was showered with accolades. Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Don Vito Corleone earned him the Oscar for Best Actor at the 45th Academy Awards, though in a now-legendary moment, he declined the honor to protest Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. He sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather to the ceremony in his stead, a gesture that, according to History.com, brought national attention to the issue and remains a defining moment in Oscar history.

The film also took home the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, and was nominated for seven Golden Globes, winning in categories including Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor (Brando), Best Original Score, and Best Picture. The impact was immediate and lasting: The Godfather is still ranked as the second-best American film ever made, just behind Citizen Kane, and it boasts a remarkable 98 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and fans alike have called it “a towering, operatic masterpiece that redefined what film could be, what family means, and how power actually works in the shadows.” One fan summed up the sentiment: “The Godfather is not a movie. It is the Old Testament of cinema … every single frame is perfect.”

But what of the legendary cast who brought the Corleone saga to life? Their stories, both on and off screen, have become as much a part of the film’s legacy as the story itself. Marlon Brando, whose performance as Don Vito Corleone was one of his final and most memorable roles, passed away in 2004 at the age of 80. His portrayal set the gold standard for cinematic antiheroes, and his Oscar protest remains a touchstone in Hollywood history.

Al Pacino, who played Michael Corleone, emerged from The Godfather as a bona fide star. His transformation from reluctant outsider to ruthless mafia boss is considered one of the greatest character arcs in film. Pacino’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and he received a Best Actor nod for The Godfather Part II as well. Decades later, Pacino is still making headlines. According to CNN, he welcomed his fourth child at the age of 84, embracing late-in-life fatherhood with the same intensity he brought to his roles. Pacino continues to act, his career spanning more than five decades and cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures (iNews).

Diane Keaton, who played Kay Adams-Corleone, Michael’s devoted and conflicted wife, was another breakout star. Her on-screen chemistry with Pacino mirrored their real-life romance, which began during the filming of The Godfather Part II. Keaton once said she was “really very taken with Al from the very beginning,” and both looked back on their relationship with fondness. Tragically, Keaton passed away in 2025, prompting a global outpouring of tributes from friends, coworkers, and fans. Her legacy, however, is firmly secured by her remarkable filmography and the indelible mark she left on American cinema.

James Caan brought Sonny Corleone, Michael’s fiery older brother, to life with a performance that earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Caan’s portrayal of Sonny’s explosive temperament and tragic fate remains one of the film’s most memorable elements. He continued to work in film and television for decades, becoming a familiar face to younger audiences through roles like the father in Elf. Caan passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, another loss deeply felt by the Godfather community.

Robert Duvall played Tom Hagen, the Corleone family’s level-headed consigliere. Duvall’s nuanced performance also earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Remarkably, Duvall is still active in the industry at age 94, having appeared in two Netflix films, Hustle and The Pale Blue Eye, as recently as 2022. He hasn’t officially retired, leaving fans hopeful for more appearances from this legendary actor.

Talia Shire, who portrayed Connie Corleone, Don Vito’s only daughter, was another key figure in the saga. Her character’s wedding sets the stage for one of the film’s most iconic lines: “You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to do murder, for money.” Shire’s career flourished after The Godfather, earning her Oscar nominations for both The Godfather Part II and the Rocky series, where she played Adrian, the love interest of Sylvester Stallone’s titular boxer. Most recently, Shire appeared alongside Vince Vaughn in the 2024 film Nonnas, continuing her long and varied career.

The passage of time has inevitably brought loss. In addition to Brando, Keaton, and Caan, many other original cast members have passed away, including Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, Al Lettieri, Abe Vigoda, John Cazale, Rudy Bond, Al Martino, Morgana King, Lenny Montana, Richard Bright, Alex Rocco, Tony Giorgio, Vito Scotti, Victor Rendina, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero, Angelo Infanti, Franco Citti, Saro Urzi, Corrado Gaipa, and James Caan. Their performances, though, remain immortal, woven into the fabric of cinema history.

Today, The Godfather is more accessible than ever. The film is available to stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, and can be found on digital rental and purchase platforms. Its enduring popularity is reflected not only in streaming numbers but also in the continued critical and fan discussion. As Everything Gossip notes, the film is still “the most memorable, most influential, most quoted, most beloved, most discussed, most imitated, most revered and most entertaining American movie ever made.”

For those who have never seen it—or for those who wish to revisit a masterpiece—The Godfather stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, the depth of character, and the enduring impact of great art. The Corleone family’s saga, and the actors who brought it to life, continue to whisper their promises, warnings, and wisdom to new generations, ensuring that the film’s legacy will never fade.