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Context: (CNN) -- Dennis Farina, the dapper, mustachioed cop-turned-actor best known for his tough-as-nails work in such TV series as "Law & Order," "Crime Story," and "Miami Vice," has died. He was 69. 

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great actor and a wonderful man," said his publicist, Lori De Waal, in a statement Monday. "Dennis Farina was always warmhearted and professional, with a great sense of humor and passion for his profession. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues." 

Farina, who had a long career as a police officer in Chicago, got into acting through director Michael Mann, who used him as a consultant and cast him in his 1981 movie, "Thief." That role led to others in such Mann-created shows as "Miami Vice" (in which Farina played a mobster) and "Crime Story" (in which he starred as Lt. Mike Torello). 

Farina also had roles, generally as either cops or gangsters, in a number of movies, including "Midnight Run" (1988), "Get Shorty" (1995), "The Mod Squad" (1999) and "Snatch" (2000). 

In 2004, he joined the cast of the long-running "Law & Order" after Jerry Orbach's departure, playing Detective Joe Fontana, a role he reprised on the spinoff "Trial by Jury." Fontana was known for flashy clothes and an expensive car, a distinct counterpoint to Orbach's rumpled Lennie Briscoe. 

Farina was on "Law & Order" for two years, partnered with Jesse L. Martin's Ed Green. Martin's character became a senior detective after Farina left the show. 
human
Is someone in showbiz?
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Yes.
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Whom?
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Dennis Farina
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What did he do?
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Actor
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Is he still alive?
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No
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Was he in movies?
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Yes
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Anything recent?
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No
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What happened in the early 80's?
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Farina was cast in a film
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Who cast him?
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Michael Mann
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What was the title of the movie?
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"Thief"
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What parts did he usually get?
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cops or gangsters
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What happened in 2004?
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He joined a TV show cast.
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Which one?
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"Law & Order"
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Who did he portray?
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Detective Joe Fontana
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Did he have a beater for a car?
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No
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What did he have?
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An expensive car
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Were the characters clothes frumpy?
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No
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What were they like?
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Flashy
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Was he on the show for five years?
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No
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Was he always an actor?
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No
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What had he been before?
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A cop