When it comes to the arts, quantity and quality both matter. One of the reasons Pablo Picasso became the embodiment of modern art in Europe is because of his ceaseless production, and ability to master and destroy whole schools of painting before creating his own. That said, a poet like Walt Whitman essentially spent his whole professional life writing and re-writing one collection of poetry which we now know of as the timeless Leaves of Grass.

The name John Cazale might not ring a bell at every dinner table in America tonight, but for cinephiles Cazale was an actor’s actor who played unforgettable supporting roles in five masterpieces before dying at the age of 43 in 1978. This year we remember the 40th anniversary of the late great actor’s death. But, more importantly, we remember the wounded humanity and comic timing he brought to his roles in The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter.

Here’s John’s co-star, acting partner and “little brother,” Al Pacino remembering his friend…

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