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Born: February 29, 1944 – Died: July 22, 2013
Dennis Farina, born on the unique date of February 29, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, was a dynamic actor whose authentic portrayals left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Farina's early years in Chicago laid the groundwork for a career that spanned both the silver screen and television, with a distinctive presence that made him a familiar and revered figure in the industry.
Early Life and Career
Farina's journey into acting was unconventional. Before his acting career, he served as a Chicago policeman for 18 years, bringing a sense of realism to his later roles. His first foray into acting was not through traditional theatrical training but through his rich life experiences, which he brought to every character he portrayed.
His professional acting debut was marked by his appearance in Michael Mann's film "Thief" in 1981. However, it was his role in "Crime Story" (1986-1988) as Lt. Mike Torello that catapulted him to widespread recognition, establishing him as a prominent figure in television. Farina continued to make significant contributions to both TV and film, with memorable roles in "Midnight Run" (1988) as Jimmy Serrano and in "Get Shorty" (1995) as Ray 'Bones' Barboni, for which he received an American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Male.
His versatility as an actor was further demonstrated in movies like "Snatch" (2000) and Saving Private Ryan (1998), showcasing his ability to adapt to various genres. On television, Farina made a notable impact with his role in "Law & Order" and his Golden Globe-winning performance in the HBO miniseries "Empire Falls."
In his personal life, Farina was known for his deep Chicago roots and smooth voice with a distinct accent. He was married to Patricia from 1970 to 1980 and had three children. Farina's later life saw him involved in various philanthropic endeavors, contributing to the community that shaped his early years.
Dennis Farina's death on July 22, 2013, in Scottsdale, Arizona, marked the end of an era for a man who brought genuineness and depth to his roles. His contributions to the entertainment industry were marked by his ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and charisma. Farina remains an icon in Hollywood, remembered for his unique career path and the memorable characters he portrayed.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Lucky Stiff | Luigi |
| 2014 | Family Guy (TV Series) | Dennis Farina (voice) |
| 2014 | Authors Anonymous | John K. Butzin |
| 2013 | New Girl (TV Series) | Walt Miller |
| 2013 | The Looney Tunes Show (TV Series) | Frank Russo (voice) |
| 2011–2012 | Luck (TV Series) | Gus Demitriou |
| 2012 | Doc McStuffins (TV Series) | Riggo (voice) |
| 2011 | The Last Rites of Joe May | Joe May |
| 2010 | Knucklehead | Memphis Earl |
| 2008 | What Happens in Vegas | Banger |
| 2008 | Bottle Shock | Maurice Cantavale |
| 2007 | Bagboy | Marty Engstrom |
| 2007 | The Grand | LBJ 'Deuce' Fairbanks |
| 2007 | Purple Violets | Glen Gilmore |
| 2007 | You Kill Me | Edward O'Leary |
| 2004–2006 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Detective Joe Fontana |
| 2005 | Justice League Unlimited (TV Series) | Wildcat | Ted Grant (voice) |
| 2005 | Empire Falls (TV Mini Series) | Walt Comeau |
| 2005 | Law & Order: Trial by Jury (TV Series) | Detective Joe Fontana |
| 2004 | Scrambled Eggs (Short) | Dr. Carlson |
| 2004 | Paparazzi | Detective Burton |
| 2002–2003 | In-Laws (TV Series) | Victor Pellet |
| 2002 | Stealing Harvard | Mr. Warner |
| 2002 | Big Trouble | Henry Desalvo |
| 2001 | Sidewalks of New York | Carpo |
| 1998–2000 | Buddy Faro (TV Series) | Buddy Faro |
| 2000 | Snatch | Cousin Avi |
| 2000 | Bad Seed | Dick Muller |
| 2000 | Reindeer Games | Jack Bangs |
| 1999 | The Mod Squad | Greer |
| 1998 | *Saving Private Ryan* | Lieutenant Colonel Anderson |
| 1998 | Out of Sight | Marshall Sisco |
| 1997 | Bella Mafia (TV Movie) | Don Roberto Luciano |
| 1997 | That Old Feeling | Dan De Mora |
| 1996 | Eddie | Coach Bailey |
| 1995 | Get Shorty | Ray 'Bones' Barboni |
| 1995 | Out of Annie's Past (TV Movie) | Charlie Ingle |
| 1995 | Bonanza: Under Attack (TV Movie) | Charley Siringo |
| 1994 | Little Big League | George O'Farrell |
| 1994 | The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (TV Movie) | Detective Harry Lindstrom |
| 1994 | One Woman's Courage (TV Movie) | Craig McKenna |
| 1993 | *Striking Distance* | Nick Detillo |
| 1993 | Romeo Is Bleeding | Nick Gazzara (uncredited) |
| 1993 | Another Stakeout | Brian O'Hara |
| 1993 | A Stranger in the Mirror (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1993 | The Disappearance of Nora (TV Movie) | Denton |
| 1992 | Tales from the Crypt (TV Series) | Antoine |
| 1992 | Street Crimes | Brian |
| 1992 | Mac | Mr. Stunder |
| 1992 | Cruel Doubt (TV Mini Series) | Tom Brereton |
| 1992 | We're Talkin' Serious Money | Sal |
| 1992 | Drug Wars: The Cocaine Cartel (TV Mini Series) | Mike Cerone |
| 1991 | Perfect Crimes (TV Movie) | Armand Zaro |
| 1990 | Havana | Joe Volpe's assistant (uncredited) |
| 1990 | Men of Respect | Bankie Como |
| 1990 | People Like Us (TV Movie) | Elias Renthall |
| 1990 | Blind Faith (TV Mini Series) | Prosecutor Kelly |
| 1984–1989 | Miami Vice (TV Series) | Albert Lombard |
| 1989 | The Case of the Hillside Stranglers (TV Movie) | Angelo Buono |
| 1989 | China Beach (TV Series) | Lt. Colonel Edward Edward Vincent |
| 1988 | Open Admissions (TV Movie) | Fred |
| 1988 | Midnight Run | Jimmy Serrano |
| 1986–1988 | Crime Story (TV Series) | Lt. Mike Torello |
| 1987 | Six Against the Rock (TV Movie) | Robert Stroud |
| 1986 | Jack and Mike (TV Series) | Councilman Kazan |
| 1986 | Manhunter | Jack Crawford |
| 1986 | The Birthday Boy (TV Movie) | Diner Owner |
| 1986 | Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling | Freddy |
| 1986 | Triplecross (TV Movie) | Veteran Cop, Ernie |
| 1986 | Lady Blue (TV Series) | Joe Kaufman |
| 1985 | Final Jeopardy (TV Movie) | Policeman #2 |
| 1985 | Remington Steele (TV Series) | Uniform #2 |
| 1985 | Code of Silence | Dorato |
| 1985 | Hunter (TV Series) | Vic Terranova |
| 1985 | Hardcastle and McCormick (TV Series) | Ed Coley |
| 1985 | MacGruder and Loud (TV Series) | Bodyguard |
| 1984 | The Impostor (TV Movie) | Detective |
| 1984 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Supervisor |
| 1984 | Hard Knox (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1983 | Through Naked Eyes (TV Movie) | Patrolman #1 |
| 1981 | Thief | Carl |