James Farentino (February 24, 1938 – January 24, 2012) was an American actor. He appeared in nearly 100

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

film A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

, and stage roles, among them '' The Final Countdown'', ''

Jesus of Nazareth Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label=Hebrew/Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other names and titles), was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious ...

'', and ''

Dynasty A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family,''Oxford English Dictionary'', "dynasty, ''n''." Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1897. usually in the context of a monarchical system, but sometimes also appearing in republics. A ...

''.

Career

Born in

Brooklyn Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...

, New York, Farentino attended local schools followed later by studying drama and acting in Catholic school. In the 1950s and 1960s, he performed on the stage and a few TV roles. Among his many television appearances, he guest-starred in 1964 with

Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (November 30, 1918 – May 2, 2014) was an American actor known for his starring roles in the television series ''77 Sunset Strip'' and ''The F.B.I. (TV series), The F.B.I.'' He is also known as recurring character "Dand ...

in the episode "Super-Star" of the

CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS, the abbreviation of its former legal name Columbia Broadcasting System, is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainm ...

drama series '' The Reporter''. He starred in ''

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, aired on CBS and NBC between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers and mysteries. Between 1962 and 1965 it was re ...

'' alongside

Vera Miles Vera June Miles ( née Ralston, born August 23, 1929) is an American retired actress who worked closely with Alfred Hitchcock, most notably as Lila Crane in the classic 1960 film '' Psycho'', reprising the role in the 1983 sequel '' Psycho II ...

and

John Carradine John Carradine ( ; born Richmond Reed Carradine; February 5, 1906 – November 27, 1988) was an American actor, considered one of the greatest character actors in American cinema. He was a member of Cecil B. DeMille's stock company and later Jo ...

(episode "Death Scene"). Early in 1967, he appeared in

Barry Sullivan Barry Sullivan may refer to: *Barry Sullivan (American actor) (1912–1994), US film and Broadway actor *Barry Sullivan (stage actor) (1821–1891), Irish born stage actor active in Britain and Australia *Barry Sullivan (lawyer), Chicago lawyer and ...

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...

Western Western may refer to: Places *Western, Nebraska, a village in the US *Western, New York, a town in the US *Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western world, countries that id ...

series ''

The Road West The Road West is an American television Western series that aired on NBC from September 12, 1966, to May 1, 1967. Overview Ben Pride moves with his children Timothy, Midge, and Kip, his new wife Elizabeth, his father Tom, and his brother-in-law C ...

'' in the episode "Reap the Whirlwind". In 1969, he starred opposite

Patty Duke Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (December 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) was an American actress and mental health advocate. Over the course of her acting career, she was the recipient of an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Aw ...

in the film ''

Me, Natalie ''Me, Natalie'' is a 1969 American comedy-drama film directed by Fred Coe about a homely young woman from Brooklyn who moves to Greenwich Village and finds romance with an aspiring painter. The screenplay by A. Martin Zweiback is based on an origi ...

''. Farentino was one of the lawyers in NBC's TV series ''

The Bold Ones ''The Bold Ones'' is the umbrella title for several television series. It was produced by Universal Television and broadcast on NBC from 1969 to 1973. It was a wheel format series, an NBC programming approach also used by that network in serie ...

'' (1969–1972), which also starred

Burl Ives Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (June 14, 1909 – April 14, 1995) was an American musician, actor, and author with a career that spanned more than six decades. Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own rad ...

and

Joseph Campanella Joseph Anthony Campanella (November 21, 1924 – May 16, 2018) was an American character actor. He appeared in more than 200 television and film roles from the early 1950s to 2009. Campanella was best remembered for his roles as Joe Turino on ' ...

. He made two appearances in the 1970s anthology television series ''

Night Gallery ''Night Gallery'' is an American anthology television series that aired on NBC from December 16, 1970, to May 27, 1973, featuring stories of horror and the macabre. Rod Serling, who had gained fame from an earlier series, ''The Twilight Zone ...

'', once with then-wife

Michele Lee Michele Lee is an American actress, singer, dancer, producer, and director. She is known for her role as Karen Fairgate MacKenzie on the prime-time soap opera ''Knots Landing'' (1979–1993), for which she was nominated for a 1982 Emmy Awar ...

("Since Aunt Ada Came to Stay"), and next with actress

Joanna Pettet Joanna Pettet (born Joanna Jane Salmon; 16 November 1942) is a retired English actress. Early life Pettet was born in Westminster, London, England. Her parents, Harold Nigel Edgerton Salmon, a British Royal Air Force pilot killed in the Secon ...

("The Girl with the Hungry Eyes"). Also in 1970, Farentino appeared as Pick Lexington in ''The Men From Shiloh'' (the repackaged name of the popular long-running TV Western '' The Virginian'') in the episode titled "The Best Man". In 1973, he appeared in the episode "The Soft, Kind Brush" of the romantic anthology series '' Love Story''. During the 1970s, he appeared on NBC's ''

Cool Million ''Cool Million'' is an American crime drama series that aired on NBC as an element in its "wheel series" '' The NBC Wednesday Mystery Movie'' during its 1972-73 schedule. Synopsis James Farentino starred as Jefferson Keyes, a former agent in the ...

''. In 1978, he was nominated for an

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie This is a list of winners and nominees of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Before 1975, supporting actors featured in a miniseries or movie were included in categories such as c ...

for his portrayal of

Simon Peter ) (Simeon, Simon) , birth_date = , birth_place = Bethsaida, Gaulanitis, Syria, Roman Empire , death_date = Between AD 64–68 , death_place = probably Vatican Hill, Rome, Italia, Roman Empire , parents = John (or Jonah; Jona) , occupatio ...

in the miniseries ''Jesus of Nazareth''. In 1980, Farentino starred in ''The Final Countdown'' with Kirk Douglas and

Martin Sheen Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez (born August 3, 1940), known professionally as Martin Sheen, is an American actor. He first became known for his roles in the films ''The Subject Was Roses'' (1968) and ''Badlands'' (1973), and later achieved wid ...

, and then played

Juan Perón Juan Domingo Perón (, , ; 8 October 1895 – 1 July 1974) was an Argentine Army general and politician. After serving in several government positions, including Minister of Labour and Vice President of a military dictatorship, he was elected P ...

opposite

Faye Dunaway Dorothy Faye Dunaway (born January 14, 1941) is an American actress. She is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Faye Dunaway, many accolades, including an Academy Awards, Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, three Golden ...

Eva Perón María Eva Duarte de Perón (; ; 7 May 1919 – 26 July 1952), better known as just Eva Perón or by the nickname Evita (), was an Argentine politician, activist, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from June 19 ...

in the 1981 television film ''Evita Perón''. Farentino appeared as Frank Chaney in the short-lived 1984 ABC series ''

Blue Thunder ''Blue Thunder'' is a 1983 American action thriller film from Columbia Pictures, produced by Gordon Carroll, Phil Feldman, and Andrew Fogelson and directed by John Badham. The Blue Thunder helicopter itself did exist as two copies of modifie ...

'', based on the 1983 film of the same name, starring

Roy Scheider Roy Richard Scheider (; November 10, 1932 – February 10, 2008) was an American actor and amateur boxer. Described by AllMovie as "one of the most unique and distinguished of all Hollywood actors", he gained fame for his leading and supporting ...

. He starred as Dr. Nick Toscanni on the second season of ''

'' from 1981 to 1982. In the late 1990s, he appeared as the estranged father of lead character

Doug Ross Douglas Ross, M.D. is a fictional character from the NBC medical drama series '' ER,'' portrayed by American actor George Clooney. He is a pediatric fellow, employed by the pediatric service, but works in the ER. He is later promoted to a ped ...

on '' ER''.

Personal life

Farentino was married to: *

Elizabeth Ashley Elizabeth Ann Cole, known professionally as Elizabeth Ashley (born August 30, 1939) is an American actress of theatre, film, and television. She has been nominated for three Tony Awards, winning once in 1962 for '' Take Her, She's Mine''. Ashle ...

(September 1, 1962 – 1965; divorced) *

(February 20, 1966 – 1982; divorced); one child, David (born July 6, 1969). *

Debrah Farentino Debrah Farentino (born September 30, 1959) is an American actress, producer and journalist. She began her career starring in the CBS daytime soap opera ''Capitol'' from 1982 to 1987, before moving to prime time with a female leading role in the ...

(June 1985 – 1988; divorced) * Stella Farentino (August 3, 1994 – his death); Stella filed for divorce in 1998 due to "

irreconcilable differences ''Irreconcilable Differences'' is a 1984 American comedy-drama film starring Ryan O'Neal, Shelley Long, and Drew Barrymore. The film was a minor box-office success, making over $12 million. For their performances, both Long and Barrymore were no ...

", but later withdrew her petition. Then, James himself filed for divorce in January 2001, also due to "irreconcilable differences"; however, the couple remained married until his death. Farentino was charged with

stalking Stalking is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance by an individual or group toward another person. Stalking behaviors are interrelated to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring them. The ter ...

his former girlfriend

Tina Sinatra Christina Sinatra (born June 20, 1948) is an American businesswoman, film producer, Hollywood agent, and memoirist. Early life Christina Sinatra was born on June 20, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, the youngest child of American singer and ac ...

(the youngest child of

Frank Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra (; December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor. Nicknamed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Chairman of the Board" and later called "Ol' Blue Eyes", Sinatra was one of the most popular ...

) in 1993. A restraining order was issued against him after he entered a plea of '' nolo contendere''. Farentino was arrested in Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 23, 1991, after

Canada Customs The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA; french: Agence des services frontaliers du Canada, ''ASFC'') is a federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for border control (i.e. protection and surveillance), immigration enforcement, and cus ...

intercepted a package containing 3.2 g of

cocaine Cocaine (from , from , ultimately from Quechuan languages, Quechua: ''kúka'') is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant mainly recreational drug use, used recreationally for its euphoria, euphoric effects. It is primarily obtained from t ...

being sent to his hotel room. He was in town filming the

television film A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie or TV film/movie, is a feature-length film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a television network, in contrast to theatrical films made for ...

''Miles from Nowhere''. He was charged with cocaine possession and released on bail. In 2010, Farentino was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor

battery Battery most often refers to: * Electric battery, a device that provides electrical power * Battery (crime), a crime involving unlawful physical contact Battery may also refer to: Energy source *Automotive battery, a device to provide power t ...

after police were called following a citizen's arrest of the actor in his own house. Farentino was taken into custody and booked at the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood station before being released the following morning after posting a $20,000 bond. Police said the actor was trying to physically remove a man from his house, and the man then made the citizen's arrest

Death

On January 24, 2012, Farentino died of complications arising from a right hip fracture, at

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a nonprofit, tertiary, 886-bed teaching hospital and multi-specialty academic health science center located in Los Angeles, California. Part of the Cedars-Sinai Health System, the hospital employs a staff of over 2 ...

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...

, following a long illness. He was 73 years old.

Selected filmography

* ''

Violent Midnight ''Violent Midnight'' is a 1963 American exploitation horror film directed by Richard Hilliard and starring Lee Philips, Shepperd Strudwick, and Jean Hale. It focuses on a small New England town plagued by a series of slashing murders focused ar ...

'' (1963) - Charlie Perone * ''

Ensign Pulver ''Ensign Pulver'' is a 1964 American Technicolor film in Panavision and a sequel to the 1955 film '' Mister Roberts''. The film stars Robert Walker Jr., Burl Ives, Walter Matthau and Tommy Sands and features Millie Perkins, Larry Hagman, K ...

'' (1964) - Insigna * ''

The War Lord ''The War Lord'' is a 1965 American drama historical film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston. The film, which concerns medieval warfare and culture in 11th-century Normandy, is an adaptation of the play ''The Lovers ...

'' (1965) - Marc * ''

The Pad and How to Use It ''The Pad (and How to Use It)'' is a 1966 comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton. It was based on the one-act play ''The Private Ear'' by Peter Shaffer. Plot A sensitive man named Bob Handman ( Brian Bedford), who lives alone in his apartment, ...

'' (1966) - Ted * ''

The Ride to Hangman's Tree ''The Ride to Hangman's Tree'' is a 1967 American Western film directed by Alan Rafkin and written by Luci Ward, Jack Natteford and William Bowers. The film stars Jack Lord, Melodie Johnson, James Farentino, Don Galloway, Richard Anderson and ...

'' (1967) - Matt Stone * '' Banning'' (1967) - Chris Patton * ''

Rosie! ''Rosie!'' is a 1967 American comedy film directed by David Lowell Rich, based on Ruth Gordon's play ''A Very Rich Woman''. Plot Rosie Lord is a widowed millionaire who, much to the dismay of her daughters Mildred and Edith, spends her money ...

'' (1967) - David Wheelright * ''

'' (1969) - David Harris * ''

Story of a Woman ''Story of a Woman'' is a 1970 Italian-American drama romance film written, produced and directed by Leonardo Bercovici and starring Bibi Andersson, Robert Stack and James Farentino. Plot A Swedish girl studying to be a concert pianist in Rome ...

'' (1970) - Bruno Cardini * '' The Longest Night'' (1972, TV movie) - John Danbury * '' The Elevator'' (1974, TV movie) - Eddie Holcomb * ''

'' (1977, TV miniseries) - Simon Peter * '' The Possessed'' (1977, TV movie) - Kevin Leahy * '' The Final Countdown'' (1980) - Cdr. Richard Owens / Mr.Tideman * ''Evita Perón'' (1981, TV movie) - Juan Peron * '' Dead & Buried'' (1981) - Sheriff Dan Gillis * ''

'' (1982–1983) - Dr. Nick Toscanni * '' License to Kill'' (1984, TV movie) - John Peterson * ''

Mary Mary may refer to: People * Mary (name), a feminine given name (includes a list of people with the name) Religious contexts * New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below * Mary, mother of Jesus, also calle ...

'' (1985) - Frank DeMarco * ''Rand McNally's Hawaii VideoTrip'' (1986, hosted) * ''

Sins (miniseries) ''Sins'' is a 1986 CBS television miniseries starring Joan Collins. An adaptation of the 1982 bonkbuster novel of the same name by Judith Gould, it is the story of a woman who survives the horrors of the Nazi occupation of France and endures a s ...

'' (1986) - David Westfield * ''

Naked Lie Nudity is the state of being in which a human is without clothing. The loss of body hair was one of the physical characteristics that marked the biological evolution of modern humans from their hominin ancestors. Adaptations related to ...

'' (1989) - Jonathan Morris * ''

Her Alibi ''Her Alibi'' is a 1989 American romantic comedy film directed by Bruce Beresford, written by Charlie Peters and starring Tom Selleck, Paulina Porizkova, William Daniels, and James Farentino. Plot Phil Blackwood (Selleck) is an American mystery ...

'' (1989) - Frank Polito * '' When No One Would Listen'' (1992) - Gary Cochran * '' Deep Down'' (1994) - Joey * ''

Bulletproof Bulletproofing is the process of making an object capable of stopping a bullet or similar high velocity projectiles (e.g. shrapnel). The term bullet resistance is often preferred because few, if any, practical materials provide complete protectio ...

'' (1996) - Capt. Jensen * ''Termination Man'' (1998) - Cain * '' The Last Producer'' (2000) - Poker Player * ''Women of the Night'' (2001) - Sabatini

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Farentino, James 1938 births 2012 deaths 20th-century American male actors 21st-century American male actors American male film actors American male television actors American people of Italian descent Male actors from New York City New Star of the Year (Actor) Golden Globe winners People from Brooklyn