The character of Fredo Corleone was played by which American actor in Hollywood's 1972 film "The Godfather"?

"The Godfather", widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, it focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando).

When the don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the "Family", he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.

In the film, one older brother of Michael is Frederico, portrayed by American actor John Cazale. "Fredo" was the second child of Vito and Carmela Corleone, born in 1919. In his youth he was a sickly child, contracting pneumonia as a baby. Growing up, he was an aggressive young man, though he lost this trait as he became older.

After dropping out of school, he continued to live with his parents. His father eventually decided to give him menial tasks in the "family business".

John Cazale (1935-1978) scored the role of Fredo Corleone after his long time friend, Al Pacino, invited him to an audition. He reprised his role as the troubled Fredo in "The Godfather: Part II" (1974), where his character endures one of the most infamous movie moments in the history of cinema.

His final film, "The Deer Hunter" (1978), was filmed while he was ill with cancer. He died shortly after filming was completed.