THN is sad to report the death of one of cinemas most underrated talents. Dennis Farina, best known for brilliant supporting performances in the likes of MANHUNTER, MIDNIGHT RUN and GET SHORTY, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona at age 69. It’s said to have been caused by a blood clot in his lung.
The native Chicago actor spent 3 years serving in the armed forces and 18 years as a Chicago police officer before making his debut in Michael Mann’s cop thriller THEIF (aka VIOLENT STREETS), which starred James Caan. He later went on to find fame as the lead in the brilliant cat and mouse mob drama CRIME STORY, as the unorthodox detective Mike Torello, reuniting with Mann who served as producer on the show which ran for two seasons. He was a Mann frequenter with the aforementioned adaptation of Thomas Harris’ ‘Red Dragon’, MIAMI VICE and most recently horse-racing/organised crime drama LUCK.
Many people in the UK will perhaps remember him best for his role in Guy Ritchie’s SNATCH.
Farina is survived by three children and six grandchildren.
Source: TMZ
