Who played the Godfather?

Last Modified Dec 30, 2024 23:34 EST
Who played the Godfather?
The Godfather (Source: Prime Video)


The Godfather is an American trilogy, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy and Francis Ford Coppola. The Godfather is based on Italian American author Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. The Godfather trilogy contains The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part ll (1974), and The Godfather Part lll (1990).


The story of The Godfather is about the rise and fall of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan. The trilogy is about the family, power, betrayal, ambitions, and the price of crime. The Godfather franchise is considered a masterpiece for multiple reasons, and one of the reasons is the amazing cast, including Marlon Brando, AL Pacino, James Caan, Robert De Niro, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton, and others.


Who played The Godfather?


1. Marlon Brando


Who played the Godfather?
Marlon Brando in The Godfather (Source: Prime Video)


Marlon Brando is an American actor born on April 3, 1924. Marlon played Vito Corleone in the first movie of this franchise, The Godfather (1972). Vito Corleone is the head of the Corleone Crime family. He is very respected and powerful among the mafia. The first movie shows how Michael Corleone takes over the family business after his father, Vito Corleone, steps down. Marlon's performance as a ruthless don and caring father was highly appreciated; he also won an Academy Award for his performance. Because of Marlon Brando’s performance as Vito, the role has become iconic forever.


2. Robert De Niro


Who played the Godfather?
Robert De Niro in The Godfather (Source: Prime Video)


Robert De Niro is an American actor born on August 17, 1943. Robert De Niro played the role of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part ll (1974). Robert De Niro's role as young Vito expands on the back story, as the story runs in two timelines, one is the current time when Michael is struggling to take over the business as the current Godfather while the other shows flashbacks of Vito Corleone’s early life. To play a younger version of the already iconic character, Robert De Niro went to great lengths to maintain the essence of the character. He also learned the accent to match the authenticity. For his portrayal of Vito Corleone, he also won an Academy Award. It made Vito Corleone one of the few characters for which two actors won Oscars.


3. Al Pacino


Who played the Godfather?
Al Pacino in The Godfather (Source: Prime VIdeo)


Al Pacino is an American actor born on April 25, 1940. Al Pacino plays the role of Michael Corleone, the youngest son of Vito Corleone. Al Pacino’s character is one of the key characters of the film trilogy, and his character is in all three movies of the franchise. Michael Corleone has a huge character arc throughout the films - he went from being the detached younger son who didn’t want to get involved in his father’s mafia business, to a ruthless mafia boss, and eventually a person who regretted his decisions. Al Pacino made his character one of the most remembered through his performance in all three of The Godfather movies.


Who is the Godfather?


Who played the Godfather?
The Godfather Part II (Source: Prime Video)


The term Godfather in the movie is used for the leader of a powerful mafia family who controls crime and protects his people. In the film, Marlon Brando plays the role of Vito Corleone, the original Godfather who is head of the mafia. He is a fierce man who is respected and feared by the mafia, but he still manages to fulfill his role of a family man. Eventually, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino takes over the position of Godfather after his father's death, and the power and dynamics change him, which he later reflects.



FAQs about The Godfather

A.  Francis Ford Coppola is the director of The Godfather.

A. The Godfather has three installments.

A. The Godfather trilogy won 9 Oscars in total.

Related Stories

Before Knives Out, this overlooked neo-noir gem launched Rian Johnson’s directorial journey Before Knives Out, this overlooked neo-noir gem launched Rian Johnson’s directorial journey
Before Knives Out, this overlooked neo-noir gem launched Rian Johnson’s directorial journey
1d
"Really exciting news" - Teddi Mellencamp says all her tumors have either 'shrunk or disappeared' "Really exciting news" - Teddi Mellencamp says all her tumors have either 'shrunk or disappeared'
"Really exciting news" - Teddi Mellencamp says all her tumors have either 'shrunk or disappeared'
1d
Hollywood didn’t see these coming: 5 low-budget movies that became box office giants Hollywood didn’t see these coming: 5 low-budget movies that became box office giants
Hollywood didn’t see these coming: 5 low-budget movies that became box office giants
16h
Ballerina releases fresh new batch of character posters Ballerina releases fresh new batch of character posters
Ballerina releases fresh new batch of character posters
1d
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning has set a new record for the franchise even before its release Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning has set a new record for the franchise even before its release
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning has set a new record for the franchise even before its release
1d
7 Christina Ricci movies that you shouldn't miss if you love the actress 7 Christina Ricci movies that you shouldn't miss if you love the actress
7 Christina Ricci movies that you shouldn't miss if you love the actress
13h
Fountain of Youth stretches John Krasinski's hunt for immortality with an action-packed second trailer Fountain of Youth stretches John Krasinski's hunt for immortality with an action-packed second trailer
Fountain of Youth stretches John Krasinski's hunt for immortality with an action-packed second trailer
15h
These five Netflix movies have a 90% RT score & they might be one of the best you’ll watch this weekend These five Netflix movies have a 90% RT score & they might be one of the best you’ll watch this weekend
These five Netflix movies have a 90% RT score & they might be one of the best you’ll watch this weekend
15h
Is Netflix down for you? Here are some steps that might help fix the outage Is Netflix down for you? Here are some steps that might help fix the outage
Is Netflix down for you? Here are some steps that might help fix the outage 
1d
Another Deadpool movie is already underway; lead star Ryan Reynolds teases production Another Deadpool movie is already underway; lead star Ryan Reynolds teases production
Another Deadpool movie is already underway; lead star Ryan Reynolds teases production
1d