Actor Dennis Farina dies at 69

Dennis Farina, a former Chicago policeman turned tough-guy actor, died in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Monday, the actor's publicist said. He was 69.

Farina, best known as detective Joe Fontana on the long-running TV series "Law & Order," suffered a blood clot in his lung, publicist Lori De Waal said.

Chicago-born Farina earned his first credited role in a bit part in the 1981 Michael Mann film "Thief" and would go on to play mobsters in 1988 comedy "Midnight Run" and 1995 comedy "Get Shorty."

The actor's final starring role was in the short-lived HBO TV series "Luck" opposite Dustin Hoffman.

Farina is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and his partner of 35 years, Marianne Cahill.

Best known for: "Law & Order,"  "Midnight Run," "Snatch," "Saving Private Ryan"