TV and film actor Dennis Farina dies aged 69

DENNIS FARINA, a former Chicago policeman who played a TV cop on Law & Order during his wide-ranging career, has died at the age of 69.

He died in hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, after suffering a blood clot in his lung.

For three decades, Farina was a character actor who displayed remarkable dexterity, charm and toughness, making effective use of his craggy face, husky frame, ivory smile and ample moustache.

Farina’s many f ilms include Saving Private Ryan (1998), Out Of Sight ( 1998), Midnight Run (1988), Manhunter (1986), and his breakout and perhaps most beloved film, Get Shorty (1995), a comedic romp in which he played a Miami mob boss.

Among his numerous TV roles was Detective Joe Fontana on Law & Order during the 2004-06 seasons, replacing long-time cast member Jerry Orbach.

Born on February 29 1944, Farina was raised in a working-class neighbourhood of Chicago, the seventh child of Italian immigrants.

After three years in the US Army, he served with the Chicago Police Department for 18 years before finding his way into acting as he neared his forties.

He continued to work as a detective while taking occasional dramatic roles, and even took a leave of absence from the Chicago police to star in Crime Story, before he made the full-time acting plunge.

Farina is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and his long-time partner, Marianne Cahill.

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