‘Law & Order’ Star Dennis Farina Dies at 69

Dennis Farina, best known for his role as Detective Joe Fontana on Law & Order, has passed away at the age of 69, his publicist announced on Monday.  Lori De Waal told FOX411 that the actor had died due to a blood clot in his lung at a Scottsdale, AZ hospital on Monday morning.

Farina served as a police officer for eighteen years in Chicago Police Department’s burglary division before becoming an actor.

In addition to his recurring role on Law & Order, Farina appeared in over 30 films including Get Shorty, Saving Private Ryan and Midnight Run.  Most recently, he appeared on HBO’s drama series Luck.