Actor Dennis Farina, star of ‘Law and Order,’ dead at 69

Actor Dennis Farina died Monday morning in Scottsdale, Ariz., after suffering a blood clot in his lung, his publicist confirmed. He was 69.

The character actor had recently settled into the TV circuit. After a memorable stint on “Law & Order” as Det. Joe Fontana, Farina’s last regular TV role was on HBO’s “Luck,” where he played Gus Demitriou, the driver, confidante and “muscle” for horse owner Chester “Ace” Bernstein, played by Dustin Hoffman. He also recently had a recurring role in Fox’s “New Girl,” playing Nick’s father.

A former Chicago police officer, Farina would go on to become a well-known character actor in film and TV. The actor, recognizeable with his trademark dark eyebrows and prominent mustache, usually played a gangster or mobster, and even his more heroic roles had a tinge of menace to them.

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His most memorable film roles included “Out of Sight,” “Midnight Run,” “Get Shorty” and “Saving Private Ryan.” Other films include “Reindeer Games,” “The Mod Squad,” “Manhunter” and “Thief,” which marked his feature film debut.

The actor is survived by his three sons, six grandchildren and the love of his life of 35 years, Marianne Cahill.

Funeral services are pending.

Time staff writer Greg Braxton contributed to this report. Follow @villarrealy

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