'Law & Order' star Dennis Farina dies at 69
Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images
Actor Dennis Farina, a real-life Chicago police officer who went on to play Detective Joe Fontana on NBC's Law & Order, has died at 69.
Farina died in a Scottsdale, Arizona hospital from a blood clot in his lung, said Lori De Waal, the actor's representative.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great actor and a wonderful man," said De Waal, in a statement. "Dennis Farina was always warm-hearted and professional, with a great sense of humor and passion for his profession. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues."
The actor, most recently seen in a Comcast Xfinity ad campaign, made a career of playing tough guys on both sides of the law, playing mobster Jimmy Serrano in 1998's Midnight Run and Lt. Mike Torello on TV's Crime Story, just to name a few roles. Farina also appeared in films such as Get Shorty and Saving Private Ryan, and TV shows such as HBO's Luck.