James Farentino 1938-2012
Veteran television actor James Farentino has died of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital after a long illness. He was 73.
He appeared in several films and nearly 100 TV shows during his four decade long career. The actor was best known for his recurring roles on Dynasty, Melrose Place, and The Bold Ones. On the popular 90’s medical drama ER he played the estranged father of George Clooney’s character.
Farentino received an Emmy nomination in 1978 for his portrayal of Saint Peter in the TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth.
He suffered a few rough patches in his personal life. In 1994 he pleaded no contest to a charge of stalking his ex-girlfriend Tina Sinatra, the daughter of Hollywood legend Frank Sinatra. A judge slapped him with a restraining order that prevented him from going near Tina.
His last arrest occurred in 2010 when he was held on suspicion of battery for physically removing a man from his home.
James Farentino, a four-time divorcee, is survived by two sons, David and Saverio.
Check out a photo of Clooney and Farentino after the jump:
Photo: WENN