Sheila Marie Ryan: What We Know About James Caan’s Former Wife

Sheila Marie Ryan was an American actress and model best known as the former wife of actor James Caan and the mother of actor Scott Caan. She also had a relationship with Elvis Presley before marrying Caan. Sheila Marie Ryan appeared in films including Road House, Open House, and A Boy Called Hate. She died from cancer in 2012 at the age of 60.

Quick Facts About Sheila Marie Ryan

Sheila Marie Ryan’s Age and Birthday

Sheila Marie Ryan was born on September 17, 1952.

She died on September 18, 2012, just one day after turning 60.

She was 60 years old at the time of her death.

Where Was Sheila Ryan Born?

Sheila Marie Ryan was born in Franklin Park, Illinois, United States.

One source gives the fuller location as Franklin Park in Cook County, Illinois.

Who Were Sheila Ryan’s Parents?

Sheila Marie Ryan mother was Arlene Ryan.

Her father’s name is reported differently in the supplied sources. Some call him Gerard Ryan, while another gives the name Gerald Ryan.

Because of this difference, the exact spelling of his first name is not fully clear.

Sheila Ryan’s Siblings

Sheila Marie Ryan grew up with four siblings.

The sources agree on the number but differ on the family breakdown.

Two sources say she had one older brother named Mike Ryan and three younger sisters.

Another source says she had three brothers and one sister.

The safest confirmed detail is that Sheila Marie Ryan had four siblings and that a brother named Mike Ryan is specifically mentioned.

Sheila Ryan’s Education

Sheila Marie Ryan attended East Leyden High School in Franklin Park.

The supplied sources say she graduated in 1971.

She later studied theatre at Playhouse West in North Hollywood.

This training helped support her interest in acting.

Sheila Ryan’s Modeling Career

Sheila Marie Ryan worked as a model before becoming better known as an actress.

The supplied sources say she appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine in October 1973.

One source also says she spent time living at the Playboy Mansion.

That detail is less strongly supported than her modeling work and magazine appearance.

Sheila Ryan’s Acting Career

Sheila Marie Ryan later worked in film and television.

Her acting career included roles during the late 1980s and 1990s.

One source says her major breakthrough came with the 1989 film Road House.

Sheila Ryan in Road House

Sheila Marie Ryan appeared in Road House in 1989.

Her role is listed as Judy.

This is one of the clearest acting credits connected with her career.

Sheila Ryan in Open House

Sheila Marie Ryan appeared in Open House in 1987.

Her role is listed as Ellen.

Sheila Ryan in Hunter

Sheila Marie Ryan also appeared in the television series Hunter.

One supplied source lists her role as Ginny in 1991.

Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell

In 1990, Sheila appeared in Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell.

Her role is listed as Sandy/Susan.

Lone Star Blues

Sheila appeared in Lone Star Blues in 1994.

Her role is reported as Sarah.

Some sources use the title Lone Star Blue, so the exact title is reported differently.

Shelter from the Storm

The supplied sources also connect Sheila with Shelter from the Storm in 1994.

Her role is not clearly identified in the supplied material.

A Boy Called Hate

Sheila appeared in A Boy Called Hate in 1995.

Her role is listed as Woman Golfer.

Sheila Ryan as a Talent Agent

One supplied source says Sheila later worked as a talent agent.

It also says she managed actors and actresses and helped discover new talent.

The other sources do not provide much detail about this part of her career, so it should be treated as reported information.

Sheila Ryan and Elvis Presley

Before marrying James Caan, Sheila had a relationship with Elvis Presley.

The supplied sources agree that they dated in the early 1970s.

The exact length of the relationship is reported differently.

How Long Did Sheila Ryan and Elvis Presley Date?

One source says they dated for two years.

Another places the relationship between 1973 and 1975.

A third describes it as lasting about three years.

The safest wording is that Sheila and Elvis dated in the early 1970s, roughly around 1973 to 1975.

How Did Sheila Ryan Meet Elvis Presley?

One source includes Sheila’s own account of how they met.

She reportedly moved to Las Vegas when she was around 18.

She met Joe Esposito, who brought her backstage while Elvis was performing.

According to Sheila, Elvis jokingly threw a grape that hit her forehead and then came over to greet her.

Did Sheila Ryan Want to Marry Elvis Presley?

According to one reported interview, Sheila said she did not plan to marry Elvis.

She also said her father wanted her to marry him because of his fame and financial success.

She eventually ended the relationship after falling in love with James Caan.

Did Elvis Presley Dedicate a Song to Sheila Ryan?

Some secondary sources claim Elvis dedicated And I Love You So to Sheila.

They also say she inspired some of his songs.

These claims should be treated as reported information rather than firmly confirmed facts.

Who Was James Caan?

James Edmund Caan was an American film and television actor.

He was born on March 26, 1940.

He became widely known for playing Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.

James Caan’s Famous Movies and TV Shows

James appeared in many films and television projects.

The supplied sources mention:

• The Godfather
• Misery
• Elf
• Thief
• Hawaii Five-0
• The Sopranos
• Vegas

He received an Academy Award nomination for his work in The Godfather.

How Did Sheila Ryan Meet James Caan?

Sheila reportedly met James Caan through a mutual friend in 1975.

She had previously been involved with Elvis Presley.

When Did Sheila Ryan and James Caan Get Married?

Sheila and James married on:

January 12, 1976

Their marriage lasted less than two years.

How Long Were Sheila Ryan and James Caan Married?

The couple divorced in 1977.

One source gives the divorce date as:

December 7, 1977

Their marriage therefore lasted around one year and eleven months.

Did Sheila and James Reconcile?

One source says Sheila and James briefly reconciled and spent Christmas Eve together in 1977.

However, the marriage still ended.

This detail appears only in one source and should be treated cautiously.

Did Sheila Ryan Have Children?

Yes.

Sheila had one child with James Caan:

Scott Caan

He was born on August 23, 1976.

Who Is Scott Caan?

Scott Caan followed both of his parents into the entertainment industry.

He became an:

• Actor
• Director
• Writer
• Photographer
• Former rapper

Scott Caan’s Career

Scott became known for acting in projects including:

• Hawaii Five-0
• Ocean’s Eleven
• Deep in the Valley
• All at Once
• Vice Principals

He is Sheila Ryan’s only child.

Sheila Ryan’s Divorce Settlement

According to the supplied sources, Sheila received $3,000 per month for five years after the divorce.

She was also awarded custody of Scott.

James reportedly paid $1,000 per month in child support until Scott turned 18.

James Caan’s Other Marriages

James Caan married four times.

His first wife was Dee Jay Mathis.

Sheila was his second wife.

He later married Ingrid Hajek and Linda Stokes.

His marriage to Linda was his longest.

James Caan’s Children

James had five children:

• Tara Caan
• Scott Caan
• Alexander Caan
• James Caan
• Jacob Caan

Scott was his only child with Sheila Ryan.

James Caan’s Death

James Caan died on July 6, 2022.

He was 82 years old.

The supplied sources say his death was connected with a heart attack and coronary artery disease.

Sheila Ryan’s Later Life

There is limited public information about Sheila’s life after her divorce from James Caan.

She continued acting and reportedly later worked as a talent agent.

She also remained connected with her son Scott.

Sheila Ryan’s Public Appearances

Sheila appeared publicly with James Caan during their relationship.

The supplied sources also include photographs of her with Scott later in life.

Public events connected with Sheila include the 45th Annual Academy Awards, the Dallas 362 premiere, and other film-related events.

How Did Sheila Ryan Die?

Sheila died from cancer.

The exact type of cancer is not given in the supplied sources.

Some reports say she had been battling the illness for some time.

Where Did Sheila Ryan Die?

Sheila died in:

Canoga Park, California

She died on September 18, 2012.

Where Was Sheila Ryan Buried?

Sheila was reportedly buried at:

Oakwood Memorial Park

One source places the cemetery near Lassen Street in Chatsworth, California.

Sheila Ryan’s Net Worth

Sheila Marie Ryan’s personal net worth was not reliably documented.

The supplied sources do not provide trustworthy information about her salary, property, investments, or estate.

Sheila Ryan’s Social Media

The supplied sources do not identify any verified social media account belonging to Sheila.

She died in 2012, before celebrity social media became as important as it is today.

Why Was Sheila Ryan Famous?

Sheila was known for several parts of her life.

She worked as a model and actress, dated Elvis Presley, married actor James Caan, and became the mother of actor Scott Caan.

Her own acting credits included Road House, Open House, Hunter, and A Boy Called Hate.

Facts About Sheila Marie Ryan

• Sheila Marie Ryan was born on September 17, 1952.
• She was born in Franklin Park, Illinois.
• Her mother was Arlene Ryan.
• Her father is identified as either Gerard or Gerald Ryan in secondary sources.
• She had four siblings.
• A brother named Mike Ryan is specifically mentioned.
• She attended East Leyden High School.
• She reportedly graduated in 1971.
• She studied theatre at Playhouse West in North Hollywood.
• Sheila worked as a model.
• She appeared on the cover of Playboy in October 1973.
• She dated Elvis Presley before marrying James Caan.
• Their relationship is generally placed around 1973 to 1975.
• Sheila met James Caan through a mutual friend in 1975.
• They married on January 12, 1976.
• Their son Scott Caan was born on August 23, 1976.
• Sheila and James divorced in 1977.
• She received custody of Scott.
• Sheila appeared in Road House as Judy.
• Other credits include Open House, Hunter, and A Boy Called Hate.
• She reportedly later worked as a talent agent.
• Sheila died from cancer on September 18, 2012.
• She died one day after her 60th birthday.
• She was reportedly buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.
• Her personal net worth was not reliably documented.

Read More: Kacy Byxbee: Inside the Life of Scott Caan’s Longtime Partner