James Farentino, an American actor with a career spanning over four decades, left a significant mark on television, film, and theater. Best known for his appearances in popular TV shows and films throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Farentino brought a compelling mix of charisma, intensity, and versatility to his performances. His roles in series like The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, Dynasty, and Blue Thunder, as well as films such as The Final Countdown and Jesus of Nazareth, earned him a loyal fanbase and made him a well-recognized face in American entertainment.
Farentino’s career was defined by his ability to adapt to a wide range of characters, from authoritative professionals to complex antiheroes. He built a reputation as a dedicated actor who could transition seamlessly between television and film, while also making notable appearances on the stage. Despite facing personal and professional challenges along the way, Farentino’s body of work remains a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of acting.
Early Life and Breakthrough in Acting
James Farentino was born on February 24, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in an Italian-American family. From an early age, he showed a passion for the arts, particularly for acting. Growing up in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, Farentino was surrounded by the rich cultural diversity of New York City, which influenced his creative aspirations. He pursued his passion by studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, one of the most prestigious acting schools in the United States, where he honed his skills in theater and performance.
Farentino began his acting career in the late 1950s, performing in Off-Broadway productions and gaining valuable experience on the stage. Like many aspiring actors of his generation, he transitioned to television during the 1960s, a period when TV was becoming the dominant entertainment medium in America. His rugged good looks, commanding voice, and innate ability to convey deep emotions quickly made him a standout performer.
Early Television Success
Farentino’s first significant break came in the early 1960s, when he began making guest appearances on popular television shows such as Naked City, Route 66, and The Defenders. These early roles allowed him to showcase his acting range and caught the attention of casting directors, leading to more substantial opportunities. Farentino’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he starred alongside Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a musical comedy that became a box office hit. This success marked the beginning of a period in which Farentino would become a familiar face in both television and film.
His rising profile led to a role in The Bold Ones: The Lawyers (1969-1972), a popular legal drama where he portrayed attorney Neil Darrell. This series was part of The Bold Ones franchise, which consisted of several dramas focusing on professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and police officers. Farentino’s portrayal of Darrell, a passionate and morally driven lawyer, resonated with audiences and showcased his ability to balance intellect and emotion in his performances.
His work on The Bold Ones: The Lawyers earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Drama Series in 1971. This nomination helped solidify his place as one of television’s leading men in the early 1970s.
Film Career and Notable Roles
While James Farentino built much of his career in television, he also made a name for himself in film. One of his most notable roles was in the 1980 film The Final Countdown, a sci-fi war movie that starred Farentino alongside Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen. The film, which follows the crew of an aircraft carrier that is mysteriously transported back in time to just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, became a cult favorite among science fiction fans. Farentino’s role as Commander Richard Owens highlighted his ability to take on complex, action-oriented characters.
Farentino also gained attention for his role in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, in which he played the apostle Peter. The miniseries, which featured an all-star cast including Robert Powell, Anne Bancroft, and Laurence Olivier, was a huge success and remains one of the most highly regarded biblical adaptations ever made. Farentino’s portrayal of Peter was praised for its emotional depth and his ability to capture the apostle’s inner turmoil and eventual redemption.
Farentino continued to work steadily in film throughout the 1970s and 80s, though he never quite achieved the same level of stardom on the big screen as he did on television. Nevertheless, his film roles, ranging from action-packed war dramas to thought-provoking sci-fi films, demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Return to Television: Dynasty and Blue Thunder
The 1980s saw Farentino return to television in a big way. He joined the cast of the hit soap opera Dynasty during its third season in 1981, playing Dr. Nick Toscanni. Dynasty was one of the most popular primetime dramas of the era, known for its opulent settings, family intrigue, and high-stakes drama. Farentino’s character, a dashing and morally ambiguous physician, became involved in several of the show’s most intense storylines. Although his time on Dynasty was relatively short-lived, Farentino’s performance as Toscanni left a lasting impression on fans of the show.
In 1984, Farentino starred in Blue Thunder, a television adaptation of the 1983 film of the same name. He played Frank Chaney, a cop who pilots an advanced helicopter designed for surveillance and tactical operations. While the series was short-lived, it offered Farentino another opportunity to demonstrate his action-star credentials and ability to play authoritative, no-nonsense characters.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Farentino continued to appear in guest roles on popular television shows such as ER, Murder, She Wrote, and Melrose Place, as well as numerous TV movies. His consistent work on television, combined with his diverse roles, made him one of the most dependable and recognizable actors of his time.
Personal Life and Challenges
While Farentino’s career was successful, his personal life was often marked by challenges and controversies. He was married four times, with his most publicized relationship being with actress Michelle Lee, whom he married in 1966. They had a son together, David Farentino, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1983. Farentino’s personal life was frequently in the headlines, with reports of tumultuous relationships and legal troubles, including a well-publicized restraining order involving actress Tina Sinatra in the early 1990s.
Farentino also faced struggles with substance abuse, which affected his career during the later years of his life. Despite these personal setbacks, he remained dedicated to his craft and continued to act in television and film well into the 2000s.
Legacy and Impact
James Farentino passed away on January 24, 2012, at the age of 73, leaving behind a rich legacy of work in television and film. Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 films and television shows, cementing his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Farentino’s performances were often marked by a unique intensity, whether he was playing a heroic figure, a flawed professional, or a morally complex antihero. His ability to bring nuance and depth to his characters, combined with his rugged good looks and strong screen presence, made him a favorite among both audiences and critics.
Farentino’s work on The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Final Countdown continues to be celebrated by fans of classic television and film, and his contributions to the entertainment industry are fondly remembered. His legacy endures as a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion for acting, and he remains a figure who helped shape the landscape of American television during its golden era.