Al Pacino Names the Actor Who Taught Him “More Than Anybody”

Al Pacino has shared that the actor who influenced him the most in his career was John Cazale, a standout performer of the 1970s. While Pacino has worked with many legendary actors, including Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, it was Cazale who left the deepest mark on his craft.

Pacino worked closely with Cazale on films such as The Godfather series and Dog Day Afternoon, as well as several theater productions. Speaking to The New York Times, Pacino praised Cazale’s talent and impact:

“John Cazale, in general, was one of the great actors of our time — that time, any time. I learned so much from him. I had done a lot of theatre and three films with him. He was inspiring, he just was. And he didn’t get credit for any of it. He was in five films, all Oscar-nominated films, and he was great in all of them. He was particularly great in Godfather II, and I don’t think he got that kind of recognition.”

Pacino has repeatedly highlighted Cazale’s brilliance in fully inhabiting a character. He explained how Cazale’s approach influenced his own acting style: “He had a great sense of reality. John was the actor who became who he was playing…”

“He was amazing to watch, I mean, it was a lesson in itself. I think I learned more about acting from John than anybody… John grew in a role and grew and became it and became it more and more, and he never stopped. It was endless. That’s what he taught me too, that it’s just never over. You just keep going.”

Cazale, despite his relatively short career, appeared in five films, all of which were nominated for Oscars, yet he often did not receive the recognition he deserved. Pacino’s reflections show the profound impact Cazale had on his understanding of acting, particularly in terms of dedication, realism, and fully committing to a role.

Pacino’s admiration for Cazale serves as a reminder of the lasting influence that even brief but brilliant careers can have on peers and the art of cinema.

What do you think about John Cazale’s impact on acting and his legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments.