MovieChat Forums > Luck (2012) Discussion > RIP Dennis Farina

RIP Dennis Farina

posted 12 years ago by Pequod88
3 replies | jump to latest

Veteran character actor Dennis Farina, best known for playing his fair share of weathered tough guys in films like "Out of Sight," "Get Shorty," "Midnight Run," has died at age 69, his publicist confirmed today. A former Chicago police officer, Farina is best known to most for his portrayal of Detective Joe Fontana in NBC's long-running drama series "Law & Order." Long relegated to supporting roles, Farina experienced a late career breakthrough in 2011 with the release of Joe Maggio's solemn character study "The Last Rites of Joe May," starring Farina as the titular short-money hustler clinging to the belief that he has a future in the game. In an interview with Indiewire, Farina said of the role, "Every character I’ve enjoyed doing, but this was another kind of character. Everybody likes to do that. Switch it up." Following that acclaimed turn, Farina continued his great run on the small screen.

His work with Dustin Hoffman on Luck was simply superb. He was a very talented man.

[–] MrsAlSwearengen 12 years ago

I just heard - what a loss. He was a truly unique actor with a great screen presence. I loved him in 'Luck', and I'm especially thinking of that incredibly physical fight scene he did with the guy in the restaurant men's room!

Man will never be free until the last king is strangled by the last priest

[–] The_Blu_Ray_Penguin 10 years ago

Yeah he was awesome and a one of a kind. Being an actual former cop sure helped his authenticity.

[–] Mekratrig (176) 7 years ago

First noticed Farina long ago in the series Crime Story, made in the 80's, set back in the late 50's, early 60's. He and Tony Denison made for a great protagonist/antagonist pair. Excellent then, excellent now. Pretty much enjoyed all the performances of his that I saw.