Actor: John Cazale

John Cazale appeared in exactly five films: The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter. Every one was nominated for Best Picture. No other actor has that record.

Fredo Corleone is the performance, a weak man who knows he is weak, and the I’m smart speech in Part II is the most exposed anyone is in either film.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer during The Deer Hunter and the studio wanted him replaced. Meryl Streep, his partner, and Michael Cimino refused, and his scenes were shot first.

He died in 1978 at forty-two, and Al Pacino has said he was the best actor he ever worked with.