James Farentino in “Dynasty”

(AP) – Actor James Farentino, who appeared in dozens of movies and
television shows, died Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospital, according to 
family spokesman Bob Palmer. He was 73.

Palmer said Farentino died of heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital after
a long illness.

Farentino starred alongside Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen in the 1980
science fiction film "The Final Countdown." The movie featured a modern
aircraft carrier that travels back in time to Pearl Harbor hours before the
Japanese attack.

Farentino also starred opposite Patty Dukein 1969’s "Me, Natalie." In
1967, he won a "Most Promising Newcomer" Golden Globe for his role
in the comedy "The Pad and How to Use It."

In 1978, he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Saint Peter in 
the television mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth”. He also had recurring roles
on "Dynasty," "Melrose Place," "The Bold Ones: The Lawyers” and “ER”
playing the estranged father to George Clooney’s character.