Biography
After studying Drama at Oberlin College and Boston University, wiry-nosed, melancholy character actor John Cazale established himself as one of the off-Broadway scene's most intensely fascinating talents. He won Obie Awards for his stage performances in The Indian Wants the Bronx and The Line. At the invitation of his close friend
Al Pacino, Cazale tried out for a role in
The Godfather (1972), landing the part of Fredo Corleone. He was subsequently seen in
The Godfather Part II (1974) and
Dog Day Afternoon (1975). Looking far older than his forty-two years, John Cazale made his last appearance in
The Deer Hunter (1978), which co-starred his then-fiancée
Meryl Streep, but died of cancer before it was released. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide