Farentino passed away after a long illness. He starred in several movies including "The Final Countdown" and "Me Natalie."
Farentino also had recurring roles in a number of TV series including "Dynasty," "Melrose Place," and "ER", where he played /*George Clooney*/'s estranged father.
He had a rocky personal life, including pleading no contest in 1994 to stalking his ex-girlfriend, Tina Sinatra, the daughter of Frank Sinatra.
In 2010, the actor was arrested at his Hollywood home on suspicion of battery when he tried to physically remove a man from his home.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1938, Farentino is survived by two sons, David and Saverio.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
