LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actor James Farentino, who appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, died Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospital, according to a family spokesman. He was 73.
Farentino died of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital after a long illness, said the spokesman, Bob Palmer.
Farentino starred alongside Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen in the 1980 science fiction film "The Final Countdown." The movie featured a modern aircraft carrier that travels back in time to Pearl Harbor hours before the Japanese attack.
Farentino also starred opposite Patty Duke in 1969's "Me, Natalie."
In 1967, he won a "Most Promising Newcomer" Golden Globe for his performance in the comedy "The Pad and How to Use It."
He also had recurring roles on "Dynasty," ''Melrose Place," ''The Bold Ones: The Lawyers" and "ER," playing the estranged father to George Clooney's character.
In 1978, he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Sai nt Peter in the television mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth."
A four-time divorcee, Farentino's tumultuous personal life made headlines, too.
In March 1994, he pleaded no contest to stalking his ex-girlfriend Tina Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra.
In 2010, the actor was arrested at his Hollywood home on suspicion of battery when he tried to physically remove a man from his home.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1938, Farentino is survived by two sons, David and Saverio.
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I saw a man last night in Yosemite at the Wawona Hotel, that looked so much like him. It´s when I looked him up, that I realized he had passed. My favorite role of his, was in the movie Her Alibi.
Lori
September 14, 2024 | Other
Jimmy, was a Method actor. I had the great honor of acting with him in the Mini Series " Sins".we were shooting and became friendly and he took me to all the unknown but superb restaurants in Venice. He was a delight to know and since I too am an Actors Studio, lifetime member trained by Lee Strasberg and director Elia Kazan, we had extremely deep conversations . I have spent Christmas Covid exile watching I believe his greatest role as Peter Simon , the fisherman, in " Jesus of Nazareth...
Cathleen LESLIE
December 27, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA | Friend
A favorite actor of mine and crush growing up in the 70's.
I had no clue he died at such a young age until I recently looked him up. Sorry for your loss - 8 years later. 8 years never feels like 8 years.
Elizabeth Rippinger
March 04, 2020 | Mohrsville, PA
Fell for him when I first laid eyes on him. Loved his acting. Loved his looks. I swooned seeing him as Dr Nick Toscanni on Dynasty. Missing him very much. Loved that he was a fellow Brooklynite!. SIH James!
Vera Jeffery
January 15, 2020 | Brooklyn, NY | Friend
James was the best brother in law, he truly loved and respected me. He always went out of his way to help me, make me laugh and welcome me into his home. One of the best Actors around. I will miss you forever James, until we meet again. I truly love you.
MJ Torres
March 30, 2019 | Hollywood, CA
James farentino one of my most favorite actors of all time. I remember him in everything he played. So very handsome.I was deeply sorry when I heard of his passing.He was in a lot of shows and movies I watched growing up. And he was one of the best .my heart goes out to his family,while we will miss him. They will miss and greive his loss. Just know your father will always be remembered .god bless all of you. And James farentino your with the angels now.r.I.p.
H Roth
January 22, 2018 | Phoenix, AZ
Valenda Newell
July 21, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
January 24, 2015 | Alpharetta, GA
Remembered By
Linder Herbert
March 31, 2014 | Monticello, AR