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Actor Dennis Farina passes away

Actor Dennis Farina passes away

THE actor Dennis Farina has passed away in the United States at the age of 69.

Mr. Farina, who was from Chicago, had served in the Army as a young man before becoming a police officer in his home city and spending 18 years as a detective. This meant he was 40 before he turned to acting — landing a small role in Michael Mann’s 1981 film Thief.

He went on to become a familiar face on film and television, playing mostly ‘tough guy’ roles and detectives. Among his movie credits were Code Of Silence (1985), Manhunter (1986), Midnight Run (1988) and Get Shorty (1995).

Fans of the TV series Law and Order will remember him as Detective Joe Fontana in the 2004-2006 season. Over the years, he appeared in many hit TV shows including Crime Story, Miami Vice and Justice League.

More recently, he starred as Gus Demitriou in the series Luck, as well as appearing in New Girl.

He had recently been working on two forthcoming films — the comedy Authors Anonymous and Lucky Stiff.

Many tributes were paid from actors and directors who had worked with him over the years.

Mr. Farina passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, after reportedly suffering a blood clot on his lung. He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Marianne Cahill, his three sons and six grandchildren.

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