Sheila Marie Ryan, also known as Sheila Caan, was a former actress and model who was married to actor James Caan for a brief period. She was also known for being one of Elvis Presley’s girlfriends in the mid-1970s. She passed away on September 18, 2012 at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer. Here is a look at her life, career, and death.
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Early Life and Career
Sheila Marie Ryan was born on September 17, 1952 in Franklin Park, Illinois. She started her career as a model and appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine in October 1973. She also posed for other magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Glamour.
Sheila Ryan made her acting debut in the 1975 film W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings, where she played a waitress. She also had small roles in films such as The Missouri Breaks (1976), The Car (1977), and Sextette (1978). She appeared in several TV shows, such as The Rockford Files, Barnaby Jones, and Fantasy Island.
Relationship with Elvis Presley
Sheila Ryan met Elvis Presley in Las Vegas in 1974, when he was performing at the Hilton Hotel. She was introduced to him by his friend Joe Esposito. Elvis was attracted to her and invited her to his suite. They started dating soon after and had a passionate relationship.
Elvis dedicated many songs to Sheila during his concerts, such as And I Love You So and You Gave Me a Mountain. He also gave her expensive gifts, such as jewelry and cars. He even proposed to her with a diamond ring, but she declined. She later said that she loved him, but she was not ready to marry him.
Their relationship lasted for about a year, until Elvis broke up with her in 1975. He reportedly did so because he was jealous of her friendship with actor Telly Savalas. Sheila was heartbroken by the breakup and tried to contact him several times, but he refused to see her again.
Marriage with James Caan
Sheila Ryan married actor James Caan on January 12, 1976 in Las Vegas. They had met on the set of The Killer Elite (1975), where they had a brief affair. They decided to get married after Sheila became pregnant with their son, Scott Caan, who was born on August 23, 1976.
Their marriage was turbulent and short-lived. They had frequent arguments and fights, often involving drugs and alcohol. They separated several times and reconciled, but they finally divorced in 1977. Sheila later said that James was abusive and violent towards her.
Sheila Ryan never remarried after her divorce from James Caan. She remained single and focused on raising her son Scott, who followed his father’s footsteps and became an actor. She also maintained a friendship with Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla Presley and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
Death from Cancer
Sheila Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000s. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but her condition worsened over time. She died on September 18, 2012 in Canoga Park, California, surrounded by her family and friends.
Sheila Ryan’s death was mourned by many people who knew her and worked with her. Her ex-husband James Caan expressed his sadness and regret over their failed marriage. Her son Scott Caan paid tribute to her by naming his daughter Josie James after her. Her former boyfriend Elvis Presley’s friends and associates also remembered her fondly and praised her beauty and kindness.
Sheila Ryan was buried at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California. Her grave is marked by a simple plaque that reads “Sheila Marie Ryan Caan – Loving Mother”.
Conclusion
Sheila Ryan was a beautiful and talented woman who had a brief but memorable career in Hollywood. She was also involved in some of the most famous romances of the 1970s, with Elvis Presley and James Caan. She faced many challenges and hardships in her life, but she never gave up hope. She left behind a legacy of love and courage that will always be remembered by those who knew her.
