James Farentino, a celebrated American actor, distinguished himself through his extensive presence in the film and television industries, accumulating a career spanning multiple decades. Notably, he is widely recognized for his memorable depiction of Simon Peter, a fisherman and apostle, in the 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth". Additionally, Farentino's captivating performance as Dr. Nick Toscanni, a psychiatrist driven by a quest for revenge, in the esteemed soap opera "Dynasty" cemented his place in the hearts of audiences. His iconic portrayal of Toscanni remained a staple of "Dynasty" from 1981 to 1982.
Person Biography:
Farentino's journey in the world of drama and acting began at a Catholic school in Brooklyn, New York City, where he first nurtured his passion for the craft. His early endeavors in television led to a series of guest-star roles throughout the 1950s and 1960s. With his talent and dedication, he eventually landed his first recurring role as the esteemed lawyer Neil Darrell in the critically acclaimed legal drama "The Bold Ones: The Lawyers". This significant milestone marked the beginning of his extensive career, with Farentino appearing in an impressive 19 out of the 29 episodes of the series, which aired from 1968 to 1972.
Farentino's portrayal of Simon Peter in the 1977 television production "Jesus of Nazareth" garnered widespread critical acclaim, resulting in a well-deserved nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Farentino's subsequent notable recurring role was a significant development in his acting career, as he took on the complex character of Dr. Nick Toscanni in the popular soap opera "Dynasty". Initially introduced as an old friend of the show's central protagonist, Blake Carrington, played by the esteemed John Forsythe, Toscanni's true nature was gradually revealed as a secret enemy of Carrington, harboring a deep-seated grudge against him.
Michael Farentino's acting career continued to flourish throughout the 1990s, concurrently with a growing public awareness of his personal life.
It was during this period that he found himself embroiled in controversy, as he was arrested in 1991 for the possession of cocaine.
This incident was followed by a further legal entanglement in 1993, when Farentino was charged with the serious offense of stalking his former romantic partner, Tina Sinatra.
In a separate but equally tumultuous chapter of his life, Farentino's marriage to his fourth wife, Stella Farentino, proved to be a troubled and ultimately unsuccessful union.
Michael Farentino, a renowned actor, decided to step away from the acting world in the 2000s due to health concerns that had been affecting his career and overall well-being.
However, his personal life took an unexpected turn in 2010 when he found himself in a tumultuous situation. On that fateful day, he attempted to physically remove an individual from his residence, which led to his arrest on suspicion of misdemeanor battery.
The Los Angeles Police Department took Farentino into custody, holding him for a brief period before releasing him on a $20,000 bond. This incident marked a significant turning point in his life, and it remains a notable event in his personal biography.
Marty Farentino, a renowned figure, breathed his last on January 24, 2012, at the esteemed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy at the tender age of 73, mere weeks shy of his 74th birthday, which was cruelly cut short due to the devastating complications arising from a right hip fracture.
