Pierce Brosnan pays tribute to 'inspirational' James Caan following his death aged 82

Pierce Brosnan has described James Caan as an inspiration after working the actor shortly before his death was announced on Thursday. 

Hollywood veteran Caan passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday evening at the age of 82, just weeks after completing work on forthcoming gangster thriller Fast Charlie. 

The legendary star had worked with former Bond actor Brosnan, 69, on location in Louisiana for more than a month, despite being confined to a wheelchair and in poor health. 

Close: Pierce Brosnan has described James Caan as an inspiration after working the actor shortly before his death was announced on Thursday

Taking to Instagram on Friday, a devastated Brosnan offered a moving eulogy to his co-star alongside several images of the friends as they relaxed between scenes. 

He wrote:  ‘On the set of the movie “Fast Charlie” with the great man himself James Cann, farewell Jimmy. We had many laughs together over those five days in New Orelans …

‘You were an inspiration to me as young actor starting out, and an even greater one as a man watching you work each day against great physical pain and discomfort. 

‘You gave of yourself to the art of acting and performance to very end. My heart has a deep sorrow this day for your passing.’ 

He added: ‘I shall cherish the memory of you always. My heart felt condolences to your family. May you Rest In Peace, forever in the light.’ 

Co-stars: The legendary star had worked with former Bond actor Brosnan on location in Louisiana for more than a month, despite being confined to a wheelchair

Tribute: Taking to Instagram on Friday, a devastated Brosnan offered a moving eulogy to his co-star alongside several images of the friends as they relaxed between scenes

The actor’s death was confirmed on Thursday evening in a tweet shared by family members. 

‘It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,’ it read. 

Caan’s manager Matt DelPiano also confirmed the news to AFP, adding: ‘Jimmy was one of the greatest. Not only was he one of the best actors our business has ever seen, he was funny, loyal, caring and beloved.’ 

Side by side: Despite being in poor health Caan was present on set every day, a copy of the Fast Charlie shooting script in hand 

Thank you: ‘You were an inspiration to me as young actor starting out, and an even greater one as a man watching you work each day against great physical pain and discomfort,’ Brosnan wrote on Friday 

Caan started as an actor in 1960s Hollywood, with roles in films by acclaimed directors including Billy Wilder (Irma La Douce), Howard Hawks (El Dorado) and Coppola (The Rain People).

He had a breakthrough television role in 1970 American football drama Brian’s Song, portraying dying gridiron star Brian Piccolo.

The actor , who also had roles in Misery, Thief, Rollerball and A Bridge Too Far, received an Oscar nomination for his role as hot-headed Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 classic The Godfather.