Sheila Marie Ryan

Verified by our team
Model (1952)

Sheila Marie Ryan was a famous woman who was the mother of actor Scott Caan and the second wife of the late actor, James Caan. She was also well-known as a prominent ex-lover of Elvis Presley.

Many fans are still curious to know more about this leading lady even years after her death. However, much information about her private life is quite hidden. But with some searching around, here's what we found out about Sheila and her life. So, let's dive into it.

How Did Sheila Ryan Die?

Death is a sensitive topic for most. Sheila was one of the many stars that were untimely taken from her family and the world. The glamorous Playboy model passed away on September 18, 2012, at sixty years of age. She died after a long battle with cancer.

A headshot of the late model Sheila Marie Ryan.
A headshot of the late model Sheila Marie Ryan. Source: Facebook

At the time of her passing, Sheila was accompanied by her son, Scott Caan. He made sure to fill her hospital room with Hawaiian flowers during her final days.

Road House Actress's Romantic Life: Sheila Ryan Once Dated Elvis Presley

Many know about Sheila Marie Ryan's love affair with the king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The relationship was very High profile and lasted for years.

Sheila Marie Ryan with Elvis Presley during the 1970s.
Sheila Marie Ryan with Elvis Presley during the 1970s. Source: Facebook and Janet Charlton's Hollywood

The 5 ft 5 inches tall Sheila met Elvis in Las Vegas at a party. Elvis was attracted to the beauty and threw a grape at her. This was a conversation starter and the two began talking.

According to Sheila, they had an open relationship and both were free to pursue other people. The celebrity couple were together for two years and at the time Elvis paid her rent, gifted her a car, and even paid off her mother, Arlene's house in Illinois. 

Marriage History: Relation with Sonny Corleone James Caan

After splitting up with Elvis, Sheila met and married Godfather star, James Caan. The pair tied the knot in 1976 and divorced in 1977.

Initially, James would try to outdo Elvis' generosity and spoil her with huge gifts. However, the relationship soon soured due to other reasons.

The pair did welcome a child together, Scott Caan. Scott was named after Sheila's paternal Grandfather, Scott Ryan.

James Caan's Marriage History

James Caan has been wed four times and has a total of seven children. His first marriage was to Dee Jay Mathis and they have a daughter, Tara Caan together. His second marriage was to Sheila Marie Ryan who is also called Sheila Caan.

Sheila Marie Ryan with her then-husband, James Caan.
Sheila Marie Ryan with her then-husband, James Caan. Source: Everett Collection

James Caan married Ingrid Hajek in September 1990, and they divorced in March 1994. They had a son, Alexander James Caan, born in 1991. 

Later, James entered his final marriage to  Linda Stokes in 1995. They had two sons, James Arthur Caan, born in 1995, and Jacob Nicholas Caan, born in 1998. The marriage also ended in divorce in 2017.

Sheila Marie Ryan's ex-husband, James Caan died on July 6, 2022. He had a heart attack and passed away at the age of eighty-two.

Road House Actress Ryan's Son - Actor Scott Caan

Sheila gave birth to Scott Caan on August 23, 1976, in Los Angeles, California. As mentioned, he was named after Sheila's grandfather.

Scott Caan is an actor who started his career in the late 1990s. He has appeared in several movies like Enemy of the State, Boiler Room, and Gone in 60 Seconds. Caan is well-known for his role as Turk Malloy in the Ocean's Eleven franchise.

Sheila Marie Ryan with her son, Scott Caan.
Sheila Marie Ryan with her son, Scott Caan. Source: Wire Image

Caan is most known for his role as Danny "Danno" Williams in Hawaii Five-0. In addition to acting, Scott Caan is a photographer, writer, and director. He has directed several films and published a photography book titled "Scott Caan Photographs, Vol. 1."

Scott is also a proud papa to two kids with his wife, Kacy Byxbee. The kids were born years after the passing of his mother, Sheila.

Sheila Marie Ryan Net Worth: How Much Was Her Estate Worth?

Sheila Marie Ryan lived a glamorous lifestyle for most of her days. However, she was not wealthy by Hollywood standards. At the time of her passing her estate was estimated to be worth about $2 million. But this value might be an exaggeration.

Similarly, her divorced husband, James Caan had an estimated net worth of about $20 million at the time of his passing. He was a gifted actor.

Now, her son, Scott Caan has a net worth of $16 million. He earned from his career in the entertainment industry as an actor and director. He also gained value from his parents' estates.

Career Highlights

Sheila was a very successful model and actress. She modeled for Playboy magazine and was on the cover in 1973. She also lived in the Playboy Mansion.

Later, James Caan's wife Ryan was in movies such as  Road House (1989),  Hunter (1984), and Lone Star Blues (1994). Later, she worked on the play Welcome Home Soldier at North Hollywood's Playhouse West. It was a program to help Vietnam Vets.

Sheila Ryan's Early Life And Family

Sheila Marie Ryan was born in the state of Illinois, in the Melrose Park village. It was a small town where everybody knew everybody. Her parents were Gerard and Arlene Ryan and she was born on September 17, 1952.

Sheila Marie Ryan with her ex-husband, James Caan.
Sheila Marie Ryan with her ex-husband, James Caan. Source: First Curiosity

Sheila had four siblings, one brother, and three sisters. Her brother, Mike Ryan was older than her. He worked in construction and was Roofing Contractor in California.

Not much is known about her sisters but they are possibly named Valerie, Vickie, and Jerrie.

Education

Sheila was a student at East Leyden High in Franklin Park. She graduated high school in 1971 and never pursued further academics.

Sheila Marie Ryan with her ex-husband, James Caan, and their son, Scott Caan.
Sheila Marie Ryan with her ex-husband, James Caan, and their son, Scott Caan. Source: Facebook

After graduation, Sheila moved to California in her old Volvo to pursue fame. She later took classes in theatre at North Hollywood's Playhouse West. She was remembered fondly by the cofounder Robert Carnegie.

Ryan's Sister Valerie Married A Famous Stuntman

Many are not aware of the fabulous connection in the Ryan family. Sheila's sister, Valerie Kay Ryan is married to the legendary stuntman, Walter Scott. She was his second wife and the mother of his youngest two children.

Walter Scott has an impressive career and is remembered for his horseback riding and Western movies. He has since worked as an assistant director and as an actor.

 

For more exciting celebrity content, do visit Married Celeb!!!!

More Biography