Sheila Marie Ryan was the ex-wife of James Caan, the popular American actor. They met in 1975 through a mutual friend and married in 1976. However, their relationship wasn’t smooth from the start, and they eventually divorced in 1977.
Sheila was an American actress and model, and also the mother of Scott Caan, an actor, and former model. She is recognized for her roles in the many movies she appeared in, including but not limited to Road House (1989), Shelter from the Storm (1994), and Hunter (1984).
She lived for 60 years (lived from September 17, 1952 to September 18, 2012) before she died of cancer. But even after her death, people are still interested in knowing more about her life. We explore the lesser-known facts about the late Hollywood actress.
Sheila Marie Ryan’s Biography Summary
- Full name: Sheila Marie Ryan
- Gender: Female
- Date of birth: September 17, 1952
- Place of Birth: Franklin Park, Illinois, United States
- Date of Death: 18 September 2012
- Place of Death: Canoga Park, California, USA
- Ethnicity: White
- Nationality: American
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christian
- Sheila Marie Ryan’s Husband: James Caan (m. 1976–1977)
- Sheila Marie Ryan’s Children: Scott Cann
- Sheila Marie Ryan’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 5 inches
- Sheila Marie Ryan’s Height in Centimeters: 165 cm
- Sheila Marie Ryan’s Weight: 65 kg
- Famous for: James Caan’s ex-wife
When was Sheila Marie Ryan Born?
Sheila Marie Ryan was born on September 17, 1952, in Franklin Park, Illinois, United States. She was White by ethnicity and held American nationality. The late actress was also a Christian by faith.
Information about Sheila’s parents and siblings is unavailable. Likewise, details about her background are inaccessible, although it is believed that she had a decent upbringing following her exploits as an adult.
Her educational background and qualifications are not public knowledge, but she looks to be well-educated. She studied courses related to performance and film production. The fact that she is no more has made it difficult to get vital information about her early life, especially before she came to the limelight.
Sheila Marie Ryan’s Career Interests
Sheila Marie Ryan was an actress and a model. Her major career pursuit was acting and she was good at it. She starred in many films, some of which are Hunter (1984), Lone Star Blue (1994), and Shelter from the Storm (1994). Additionally, she was in sensational films like Road House, Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell, A Boy Called Hate, and many others.
In October 1973, she was featured as a model cover for Playboy magazine. It is not known if she did any more modeling jobs beyond her Playboy gig. In her prime, Sheila was one of the most talented actresses. Her popularity and skills earned her numerous roles in films around America.
Sheila Marie Ryan was James Caan’s Wife for One Year
James Caan was a well-known film and television actor. He’s appeared in blockbuster Hollywood movies such as The Godfather, Elf, and Misery. He also had roles in TV shows such as The Sopranos, Hawaii Five-0, and Vegas. More so, the American received several awards, most notable being an Academy Award for his role in Godfather.
Sheila Marie Ryan was married to the American actor for just one year. The couple met in 1975 through a mutual friend and married in 1976. However, their relationship wasn’t smooth from the start, and they eventually divorced in 1977.
After months of separation, Sheila and James reconciled and were engaged on Christmas Eve in 1977. Yet again, the pair broke things off a few weeks after. However, they continued an on-and-off relationship after having their first child, Scott, in 1977.
The cause of the end of Sheila and James’ controversial relationship is still a mystery. None of them came out to talk about what led to their double separation. From her divorce from James Caan in 1977, Sheila received $3,000 per month for five years and custody of their son, Scott Cann. She also received an additional $1,000 per month in child support for Scott until he reached the age of eighteen.
Sheila Caan’s ex-husband was married four times and had five children, including Jacob and James (twins), Alexander, Scott, and Tara.
Sheila Marie Ryan Also Dated Elvis Presley
Apparently, her love life was a busy one. Before meeting James Caan, Sheila had a serious relationship with popular American singer and songwriter Elvis Presley. The pair first met in Las Vegas, and Elvis, who liked her, threw a grape at her to introduce himself. Later that night, Elvis’ manager contacted Sheila to tell her that his boss wanted to see her.
Sheila inspired the great singer enough to dedicate a song to her somehow. Throughout the recording of his song, “And I Love You So,” Elvis called Sheila “My Love,” several times. There’s also a line where he says, “Step here Sheila – let me sing to you, baby.”
However, despite dating for two years, Elvis and Sheila’s relationship didn’t metamorphose into marriage. And even after divorcing her ex-husband, James Cann, Sheila never got back with Elvis.
How Many Children Did Sheila Marie Ryan Have?
Sheila Marie Ryan had a son named Scott Cann with her ex-husband, James Cann. Scott Cann was born on August 23, 1976. He is an actor like his parents, although his father wanted him to become a baseball player.
However, Scott came to the limelight after appearing in Ocean’s Eleven, Gone in Sixty Seconds, and Varsity Blues. He also famously starred as Detective Sergeant Danny Williams in the CBS tv series Hawaii Five-0. He also had an opportunity to act alongside his late mom in a movie titled A Boy Called Hate in 1994.
Sheila Caan’s Cause of Death
During the peak of her acting career, Sheila was diagnosed with cancer. She eventually passed away on 18 September 2012 after a long battle with the ailment. She died in Canoga Park, California, after her body could no longer withstand the disease.
Sheila, born on September 17, 1952, lived a fulfilled life as an actress, model, and entertainer. Nonetheless, she is survived by her only son Scott Cann, whom she had with her ex-lover, James Cann. Sheila was buried in Oakwood Memorial Park near Lassen St Chatsworth, California.
About ten years after the death of Sheila, her ex-husband James Caan also kicked the bucket. He died on 6 July 2022 at 82, although the precise cause of his death is still unknown.
