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James Farentino, an actor best known for his roles in ER and Melrose Place, died of heart failure Tuesday at the age of 73. He passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after fighting a lengthy illness, his spokesperson told the Associated Press.
The beloved actor has worked with stars from Charlton Heston to Kirk Douglas, but he is perhaps most recognized in recent years for playing the estranged father of George Clooney's character on ER. Farantino was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Saint Peter in the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, a role which he often said was his favorite to play, and earned a "Most Promising Newcomer" Golden Globe in 1967 for his turn in The Pad and How to Use It.
Born in Brooklyn, Farentino was the son of a clothing designer -- but quickly realized that he wanted to be an actor. He entered Manhattan's American Academy of Dramatic Arts at age 18 and then went on to study Method acting with legendary instructor Lee Strasberg. After debuting on Broadway in 1961, Farentino moved to Los Angeles in 1963 and made The War Lord with Heston, launching his career.
Though he continued to make movies, he achieved more notice for his TV work on The Bold Ones, Blue Thunder and Dynasty, as well as the aforementioned Melrose Place and ER. Farentino also spent time on the stage, performing in critically acclaimed performances of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Offscreen, Farentino earned plenty of tabloid attention for his tumultuous personal life. He was married four times, but was perhaps best known for his rocky relationship with Tina Sinatra, the youngest child of Frank Sinatra. Their on-off relationship made headlines in 1994 when he pled no contest after being charged with 24 misdemeanor counts of stalking her.
Farentino is survived by two sons, David and Saverio, and his fourth wife, Stella.
