Fred Thompson death: Three of the actor’s most memorable roles

To some, former U.S. senator and Republican presidential candidate Fred Dalton Thompson was the formidable politician with a towering 6-foot-plus frame. To others, he was the deep voice booming through the cars or headphones as the host of "The Fred Thompson Show," the syndicated Westwood One radio show that replaced Bill O'Reilly's in 2009.

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But to the greatest number of people, he will be known as the familiar face from so many television shows and movies. Following news of his death on Sunday, we revisit three of his memorable roles:

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District Attorney Arthur Branch on "Law and Order"

Thompson was a recurring cast member of the “Law and Order” franchise, reprising his role as district attorney in the flagship series for the spinoff series “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law and Order: Trial By Jury,” which lasted only one season. Known for his no-nonsense way of dealing with the law, his character was constantly at odds with Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Casey Novak (Diane Neal). When the first episodes aired featuring Branch as a character, Thompson was still a sitting member of the U.S. Senate.

PHOTOS: Fred Thompson | 1942 - 2015

Trudeau in “Die Hard 2”

As the chief of air operations at Dulles International Airport, Trudeau is in charge when the air traffic control system is overtaken by an ex-Special Forces group. The role, portrayed by Thompson, was one of his earliest, in 1990.

Arthur “Bull” Hancock in “Secretariat”

In 2010’s “Secretariat,” a film about the Triple Crown winner, Thompson played Hancock, an owner and breeder of racehorses. The film, based on a true story, was one of Thompson’s last.

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PHOTOS: Fred Thompson

U.S. senator and actor Fred Thompson dies at 73