John Cazale is likely unknown to you.

He, however, was unique among actors in that he was never in a terrible film. All five of his films starring him were considered for Best Picture awards.

He went to Boston University and Oberlin College for his drama degrees, and then he relocated to New York to try to make it as an actor.

Cazale met Al Pacino in the 1960s after relocating to New York. Actors Israel Horovitz cast the two cohabitating actors in his play “The Indian Wants the Bronx.” Both of them picked up Obie Awards.

“The Godfather” (1972), in which Cazale made his film debut as Fredo Corleone, is universally considered to be among the all-time greats.

The 1974 Francis Ford Coppola–Gene Hackman picture “The Conversation” featured him in his second leading role, playing the part of Stan. Just one more film up for Best Picture.

Even that year, he was back as Fredo Corleone in “The Godfather Part II.” It was the sequel that took home the top prize at the Oscars. Cazale was featured in a sequence that became renowned and received more screen time than anyone else.

Cazale portrayed the violent bank robber Salvatore Naturile in the 1975 film “Dog Day Afternoon.” He was reuniting with Pacino in the acting world. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for the part.

As they performed Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” together in 1976, Cazale met the then-unknown Meryl Streep and fell madly in love with her.

Cazale was diagnosed with terminal cancer before he and Streep could tie the knot.

Cazale also appeared in “The Deer Hunter,” starring Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, in 1978, which was his last film role. The picture took home the top prize.

According to Al Pacino, Cazale taught him more about acting than anyone else.