Most people don’t remember his name, but film buffs can’t forget his face. He died at 42 more than 30 years ago, yet some of the greatest actors of our time still feel his influence and miss his presence. He acted in only five feature films, and they were all nominated for best picture.

An affectionate profile and a celebration of acting that runs for an economical 45 minutes, “I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale” (7 p.m., HBO) recalls the brilliant character actor best known as Fredo Corleone. In addition to the first two timeless “Godfather” movies, he appeared in “The Conversation,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Deer Hunter,” released after his death from cancer in 1978.

His co-stars Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep — also his lover — remember his dedication to his characters. In a world awash with idle celebrity chatter, “Knew” reminds us that the acting world can be a small and intimate community. Pacino recalls Cazale’s battle with cancer and how “that girl” (Streep) was at his side until the end.

• The summer television silly season begins in earnest. “America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m., NBC), the most popular summer show of 2009, returns for its fifth season. Look for Howie Mandel to replace David Hasselhoff on the judge’s panel.

The obstacle course contest “Wipeout” (7 p.m., ABC) returns, as does “Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m., Fox), the cooking contest run by Gordon Ramsay for seven seasons.

• “Losing It with Jillian Michaels” (9 p.m, NBC) follows a professional trainer who moves in with a Bay State family to help them change some life-threatening habits.

Tonight’s other highlights

• An agent requires urgent assistance on “NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m., CBS).

• Quinn channels his funky self on “Glee” (8 p.m., Fox).

• Ice takes its toll on “Deadliest Catch” (8 p.m., Discovery).

• Alicia gets a celebrity case that rings very familiar on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS).

• “20/20” (9 p.m., ABC) profiles individuals with “super” abilities, including a man who could learn Icelandic in a single week, a building-climbing “Spider-Man” and a runner who completed 50 marathons on 50 consecutive days.

• An immigrant taxi driver’s quest for the American dream unfolds on “Goodbye Solo” on “Independent Lens” (9 p.m., PBS).

• Raylan calls on his distant dad on “Justified” (9 p.m., FX).

• A Garden State dress shop becomes the site of the new reality series “Jersey Couture” (9 p.m., Oxygen).

• Five women seek glamour in the reality comedy “Downtown Girls” (10 p.m., MTV).