Jul 23, 2013 11:40 AM EDT
Dennis Farina Dead: 'Law and Order' Actor Suffers Blood Clot in Lungs

Actor Dennis Farina died at age 69.

His publicist, Lori De Waal, confirmed reports that the actor died Monday morning in Scottsdale, AZ. Farina suffered from a blood clot in his lungs. The former police officer from Chicago had his wife by his side.

Farina is known for playing Lt. Mile Torello on the popular 1980's series "Crime Story" and Detective Joe Fontana on "Law and Order."

"I was stunned and saddened to hear about Dennis unexpected passing this morning," "Law and Order" executive producer Dick Wolf, said in a statement to E! online. "The 'Law and Order' family extends sympathy and condolences to his family. He was a great guy."

Stars took to twitter to express theirs deepest condolence in the wake of the actor's death.

Debi Mazar wrote, "R.I.P Dennis Farina, Such a presence in person.. Charming and so handsome.... Great talent. Condolences to his family.

Rosie O'Donnell wrote, " Dennis Farina - loved him - wonderful man- this dying stuff -- too hard."

Former co-star David Krumholtz wrote "Got to work with the hilarious Dennis Farina. He was a great man, full of life and he loved being an actor. He was made for acting RIP!"

Farina was working on a special burglary unit in Chicago when a friend introduced him to director Michael Mann. He retired from being a police officer after being casted in "Crime Story." He has appeared in several films including "Midnight Run," "Get Shorty," "Out of Sight" and "Saving Private Ryan." Farina most recent work was in the HBO drama series "Luck."

The actor is survived by his second wife, three sons and six grandchildren.

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