Hollywood is renowned for its unique approach to actor salaries, and “The Godfather” exemplifies this. Released in 1972, the film is now intrinsically associated with icons like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Diane Keaton; however, the situation was vastly different at that time. The movie’s acclaim was as much due to its storytelling as it was to the actors’ performances, including Richard Conte’s Barzini and Al Lettieri’s Sollozzo, who added unforgettable depth to the narrative.
Back then, Al Pacino was not the household name he is today. With actors like James Caan and Diane Keaton still making their mark, Pacino’s role as Michael Corleone, though central, reflected his relatively unknown status in Hollywood, which influenced his earnings significantly.
Despite his pivotal role, Al Pacino was paid a modest $35,000 for his performance in “The Godfather.” In contrast, Richard Castellano, portraying Clemenza, earned $50,000, largely attributable to his greater industry standing at the time. Castellano’s reputation was bolstered by his recent Oscar nomination for “Lovers and Other Strangers,” making him a more prominent figure compared to Pacino, who was then still unproven.
Nevertheless, Marlon Brando eclipsed his co-stars in earnings. Portraying Vito Corleone, Brando commanded a $250,000 fee along with a share of the film’s profits. As a result, he earned an additional $1.6 million, emphasizing Hollywood’s tendency to reward established talent over screen presence alone.
Al Pacino’s position soon shifted dramatically. Following “The Godfather,” his career trajectory soared, catapulting him to stardom. For “The Godfather: Part II,” Pacino’s salary reportedly reached approximately $1 million, with a share in the film’s earnings, mirroring Brando’s lucrative deal.
Richard Castellano did not reprise his role, sparking speculation regarding his demands and creative disagreements. Some claim he sought higher pay than Pacino, which he denied, while others point to disputes over his character Clemenza’s narrative direction. Castellano’s absence led to the introduction of Frank Pentangeli, a fresh character who filled the gap he left behind.
Despite these discrepancies, Castellano’s influence on “The Godfather” is indelible. His portrayal of Clemenza, mixing toughness with charm, resonated memorably, epitomized by the iconic line, “Leave the Gun, take the cannoli.”
“The Godfather” was a pivotal film for its cast, transforming Al Pacino into a Hollywood heavyweight while reinforcing Marlon Brando’s legendary status. It ensured that even those actors who didn’t return for the sequel, like Castellano, made an enduring impact on cinematic history.
“The Godfather” remains available for streaming on Prime Video in the US.
