The Godfather (1972): cast, story, release date and box office
The Godfather (1972) is a landmark gangster film that redefined the genre with its powerful storytelling and iconic characters.
By Entertainment Desk ·
Entertainment · Stars
American actor (born 1940)
Al Pacino is one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, celebrated for his powerful performances and enduring influence across film, television, and theater. His career spans over five decades, marked by iconic roles, critical acclaim, and a deep commitment to the craft of acting.
Alfredo James Pacino was born on April 25, 1940, in Manhattan’s East Harlem neighborhood. The only child of Sicilian American parents, he grew up in the South Bronx after his parents divorced. His mother, Rose, instilled in him a love for the arts, often singing the song 'Sonny Boy' to him. Pacino began acting in school plays at a young age, with teacher Blanche Rothstein recognizing his potential. He attended the High School of Performing Arts after an argument with his mother, who believed poor families couldn’t pursue acting. To support himself, he held various low-paying jobs and performed in underground theater. He joined HB Studio, where he studied under Charlie Laughton, and practiced Shakespeare soliloquies in the streets.
Pacino began his career in theater, earning two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Play (1969) and Best Actor in a Play (1977) for Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? and The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel, respectively. He also starred in multiple productions of Oscar Wilde’s Salome and was nominated for a third Tony for playing Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (2010). His film career began with The Panic in Needle Park (1971), followed by his breakout role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972), which he reprised in two sequels. He earned an Academy Award for Best Actor for Scent of a Woman (1992) and was nominated for several other films including Serpico (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), And Justice for All (1979), Dick Tracy (1990), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), and The Irishman (2019). He has also starred in Scarecrow (1973), Scarface (1983), Sea of Love (1989), Carlito's Way (1993), (1995), (1997), (1997), (1999), (1999), (2002), (2007), (2019), and (2021). On television, he starred in HBO productions such as (2003) and (2010), winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for each. He also starred in the Amazon Prime Video series (2020–2023).
Films include The Panic in Needle Park (1971), The Godfather (1972), Serpico (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), And Justice for All (1979), Scent of a Woman (1992), The Irishman (2019), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), House of Gucci (2021), Hangman (2017), The Pirates of Somalia (2017), Misconduct (2016), Danny Collins (2015), Manglehorn (2014), The Humbling (2014), Salomé (2013), Casting By (2012), Stand Up Guys (2012), Jack and Jill (2011), The Son of No One (2011), Wilde Salome (2011), Righteous Kill (2008), 88 Minutes (2007), Ocean's Thirteen (2007), Two for the Money (2005), The Merchant of Venice (2004), Gigli (2003), and The Recruit (2003). Series include Hunters (2020–2023).
Pacino has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor (1993), a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (2004 and 2011), a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (2004 and 2010), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2007), the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award (2001), the National Medal of Arts (2011), and the Kennedy Center Honors (2016). He also won a Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Documentaries (1997), the Donostia Award (1996), and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement (1994). He made his directorial debut with the documentary Looking for Richard (1996), winning a DGA Award. He directed and starred in Chinese Coffee (2000), Wilde Salomé (2011), and Salomé (2013). He co-presides at the Actors Studio since 1995, having served as co-artistic director from 1981 to 1983. His memoir Sonny Boy was published by Penguin Press in 2024.
Pacino’s films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time.
Profile updated October 10, 2026.
The Godfather (1972) is a landmark gangster film that redefined the genre with its powerful storytelling and iconic characters.
By Entertainment Desk ·
as Michael Corleone