Dennis Farina was one of Hollywood's busiest actors and a familiar face to moviegoers and television viewers alike. Recently, he appeared in the feature films, "The Grand," a comedy about a Vegas poker tournament with Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines and Ray Romano; "Bottle Shock," also starring Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Bradley Whitford; and Fox's "What Happens in Vegas," in which Dennis starred as Cameron Diaz's boss. Farina also appeared on the NBC series "Law and Order" and in the HBO miniseries, "Empire Falls," for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Mini-Series. Farina is well remembered for his role in memorable features such as Steven Soderbergh's "Out of Sight," in which he played the retired lawman father of Jennifer Lopez's character. This was Farina's second outing in an Elmore Leonard best seller, the previous one being "Get Shorty," directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and co-starring John Travolta, Rene Russo and Gene Hackman. Farina received an American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Male for his performance as "Ray 'Bones' Barboni." In 1998's "Saving Private Ryan," directed by Steven Spielberg, Farina played "Col. Anderson," a pivotal role in the film. It is this character who convinces Tom Hanks character to lead a squad deep into Nazi territory to rescue "Pvt. Ryan." He also co-starred with Brad Pitt and Oscar-winner Benicio Del Toro in the darkly comedic crime drama "Snatch," directed by Guy Ritchie. Farina's numerous other screen credits include John Frankenheimer's "Reindeer Games," "Paparazzi," Martin Brest's "Midnight Run," the Michael Mann film "Manhunter", among many other feature films. Farina is also recognized for his role in the critically acclaimed television series, NBC's "Crime Story". A veteran of the Chicago theater, Farina has appeared in Joseph Mantegna's "Bleacher Bums," and "A Prayer For My Daughter," directed by John Malkovich, and many others. He died on July 22, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona at age 69.
Is an ex-Chicago policeman. He served on on that citys police force for 18 years.
Has three sons: Dennis Farina Jr., Michael Farina, and Joseph Farina.
Once claimed in an interview that as a Chicago cop he was such a bad shot, he earned the nickname "The Great Wounder."
Is the only actor on "Law & Order" who has actually served in law enforcement.
Italian-American.
Is one of three actors to play Jack Crawford in the Hannibal Lecter films. He played the role in Manhunter . Scott Glenn played the role in The Silence of the Lambs , and Harvey Keitel played the role in Red Dragon .
His date of birth, February 29th, which is a Leap Day, has only occurred 17 times in his life. A Leap Day is a well known "extra" day of a Leap Year (containing 366 days), which only occurs every four years.
Spent three years in the military before becoming a police officer.
In the film Get Shorty , Dennis played Mr. Barboni. In the end of the film, Chili Palmer (John Travolta ) is making a movie about his experiences in Hollywood, the role of Chili is portrayed by Martin Weir (Danny DeVito ) and that of Barboni by Harvey Keitel. Dennis Farina played Jack Crawford in Manhunter (film based on the Thomas Harris novel "Red Dragon"). Harvey Keitel played Crawford in Red Dragon .
Father of actor Joe Farina.
Was considered for the role of Joey Zasa in The Godfather: Part III .
(July 17, 2008) Pled no contest to carrying a weapon into a secured area. Was arrested in May 2008 on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon after police say they found a.22-caliber handgun in his briefcase as he tried to pass through security at LAX airport. Sentenced to 24 months probation.
When Dennis Farina was a Chicago police officer, one of his partners was Chuck Adamson , who later created the television series "Crime Story" (TV Series 1986-1988) and wrote for such shows as "Miami Vice" (TV Series 1984-1990).
Did not start acting until he was 37 years old.
Is buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
(May 2004) Has joined the cast of "Law & Order" replacing the departing Jerry Orbach.
Sometimes you can take those dramatic roles and maybe interject a little humor into them, and I think the reverse also works.
One of the funny things in life to me is a guy who takes himself very seriously.
