Al Pacino stars as Michael Corleone, Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, and James Caan as Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 crime masterpiece, The Godfather.
Main cast
- Don Vito CorleoneMarlon BrandoMain
- Michael CorleoneAl PacinoMain
- Sonny CorleoneJames CaanMain
- Tom HagenRobert DuvallMain
- Kay AdamsDiane KeatonMain
Supporting cast
- Fredo CorleoneJohn CazaleSupp
- Connie CorleoneTalia ShireSupp
- Peter ClemenzaRichard S. CastellanoSupp
- Salvatore TessioAbe VigodaSupp
- Carlo RizziGianni RussoSupp
- Virgil ‘The Turk’ SollozzoAl LettieriSupp
- Captain McCluskeySterling HaydenSupp
- Mama CorleoneMorgana KingSupp
Guest & voice
- Johnny FontaneAl MartinoGuest
- Paulie GattoJohnny MartinoGuest
- Emilio BarziniRichard ConteGuest
- Phillip TattagliaVictor RendinaGuest
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About this cast
The Godfather (1972) is a landmark crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Its cast features Marlon Brando in an iconic performance as Mafia patriarch Don Vito Corleone, alongside Al Pacino as his reluctant son Michael, and James Caan as the hotheaded Sonny. The ensemble also includes Robert Duvall as consigliere Tom Hagen and Diane Keaton as Michael’s girlfriend Kay Adams.
FAQs
Who plays Michael Corleone in The Godfather?
Al Pacino portrays Michael Corleone, the youngest son who becomes the new Don.
Who plays Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather?
Marlon Brando gives an iconic performance as Don Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone crime family.
Who plays Sonny Corleone in The Godfather?
James Caan portrays Santino ‘Sonny’ Corleone, the hot-tempered eldest son.
Is the cast of The Godfather the same as the book?
Largely yes, but some minor characters were combined or omitted for the film. For example, the character of Johnny Fontane is based on Frank Sinatra but fictionalised.
Which actor played Tom Hagen in The Godfather?
Robert Duvall plays Tom Hagen, the Corleone family’s consigliere and adopted son.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026