Sheila Marie Ryan Dated Elvis Presley before Marrying James Caan

Sheila Marie Ryan was married to James Caan for a short time. She met the late actor while she was romantically involved with Elvis Presley. The pair had one son who followed in their footsteps into the entertainment industry.

Sheila Marie Ryan, also known as Sheila Caan, was a Playboy model who became more well-known following her relationship with James Caan. Despite being chiefly recognized as one of the late Hollywood star's former wives, little is known about her background.

She was the second woman to marry James after ending things with the late singer Elvis Presley, but their union lasted less than two years. The pair were once embroiled in controversy when James was accused of physically assaulting Sheila.

Sheila Marie Ryan's Hollywood Stints

Sheila's first known TV appearance was an uncredited role in the 1977 mini-series "Aspen," starring Sam Elliott and Michelle Phillips. Her next part came in 1983, playing a Nurse in a season two episode of the crime series "TJ Hooker."

That year, she appeared in the Burt Reynolds and Julie Andrews romcom "The Man Who Loved Women." In 1987, Sheila played Ellen in the horror thriller "Open House." Two years later, she portrayed Judy in the Patrick Swayze action flick "Road House."

In 1991, she landed a minor role, playing Ginny in another crime series, "Hunter." In 1992, Sheila joined the main cast of "Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell," portraying Sandy. Another starring role followed in 1994 in the romantic drama "Lone Star Blues."

Sheila Marie Ryan's Letter from Elvis Was Auctioned in 2016

Sheila and Elvis met in February 1974. They began dating soon after, and Elvis continually spoiled Sheila, even once buying her Corvette. While he was out on one of his tours, Sheila met James, but she initially kept it a secret.

Eventually, her romance with Elvis ended, but a memento of their relationship was auctioned in 2016. It was a letter from Elvis that read, "For Sheila, when you are not in love, [you're] not alive. E.P."

Sheila married James in the mid-70s, and the pair welcomed their son, Scott Caan. The former couple divorced in 1977, citing irreconcilable differences. Scott, now a renowned actor and producer, was a baby at the time and was primarily raised by his mother afterward.

He rarely talks about his parents, but he briefly spoke about them in an April 2023 interview. The "Ocean's Eleven" star shared that Sheila was "tough" when she disciplined him, as was his dad. However, he also noted that both his parents were heavily "flawed."

In 1995, he starred in a crime drama titled "A Boy Called Hate." The film was a family affair and Sheila's last onscreen credit, as she appeared alongside her son and ex-husband. Still, it was a minor role as she played a woman golfer.

Sheila Marie Ryan and James Caan Denied the Assault

Sometime between the late 1970s and early 1980s, the National Enquirer published a story about Sheila having been brutally assaulted by her ex-husband. The front page showed a photo of the former model covered in severe bruises, but James said the picture was a "total fabrication."

"My ex-wife wrote a letter to the Enquirer saying so," he shared. Sheila and her ex-sister-in-law, Barbara Caan, confirmed this. Barbara also added, "Yes, he shoved her. There is no doubt about that. And yes, there was a bruise, but nothing else."

Following her divorce from the actor, Sheila lived a private life until she passed away in September 2012. Her ex-husband died nearly ten years later, at age 82. James remarried twice after Sheila. His first wife was Dee Jay Mathis.