James Farentino, the talented actor, carsismatic and intense, which often appeared on the front pages because of the tumultuous private life, died in the Tuesday at Cedars Sinai from Los Angeles. The actor was ill for some time, and his heart stopped beating. He was 73 years.
Awarded a Golden Globe in 1967 for a promising debut, Farentino has worked mostly in television productions, including, Emmy-nominated series – Jesus of Nazareth (who is said to be his favorite), episodic roles in Dynasty , Melrose Place, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers and ER, in the latter interpreting it estranged father of the character played by George Clooney.
Born in Brooklyn, where his father was a fashion designer, Farentino was passionate about movie still at school and at 18 years was admitted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. There he studied under the guidance of Professor Lee Strasberg and maintain working in bars. In 1961 he debuted on Broadway in “The Night of the Iguana”. After moving to Los Angeles in 1963, signed with Universal studio film with The War Lord with Charlton Heston. There followed appearances in numerous TV series, plays and other films.
James was married four times, with the actresses Elizabeth Ashley and Michelle Lee, Deborah Farentino and Stella Farentino, but the most publicized his relationship was with Tina Sinatra, the daughter of singer Frank Sinatra. In 1994 the actor was charged of harassment, obsessive calls and and failure to comply a restraining order won in court by Tina.
