Character actor Dennis Farina, has died after suffering a blood clot in his lung. The 69 year old had over 70 film and television credits in his career. Dennis Farina didnt have a traditional acting career. After all he didnt start acting until he was 37. He had spent three years in the military before moving on to join the police force in his hometown, Chicago. He spent 18 years in the Chicago Police Department, becoming a senior member of the burglary division. It wasnt until 1978 that Farina got his initiation into films. He was hired as an advisor from the police department to work on a crime film looking to shoot in Chicago. Director Michael Mann had returned to his home town of Chicago to scout locations for his first feature film, Thief. Mann liked Farina and the two would begin a working partnership that would last over thirty years. "He had the charisma and the ability as a storyteller and raconteur to hold your interest," said Mann. "He appreciated the fullness, the roundness, of human life. He located himself in a certain cultural niche that included the manicured nails, the pocket handkerchiefs, Sinatra, Tony Bennett, My Way. He loved it all." Just two years after they met, Farina had quit the police department and began a career in film that lasted over thirty years. His first on-screen film role, was a small part in Michael Manns Thief. Farina has always been a favourite with film lovers, people liked his blue collar no nonsense characters. So in honour of the passing of a truly great character actor, heres our choice for the five most memorable Dennis Farina roles.