Dennis Farina, who became a Hollywood legend after making the jump from hard boiled Chicago cop to big screen movie star in films like "Midnight Run" and "Get Shorty," has died of a blood clot in his lung according to TMZ.

He was 69.

In a true rags to riches story crazier than any Hollywood movie, Farina was working as a police officer in the Chicago's burglary division when he got his big break working as a consultant for director Michael Mann on the 1981 film "Thief." Mann was so impressed by his natural charisma that he gave Farina a bit part in the movie, sparking a life long passion for drama.

After spending several years honing his acting skills on the side while still working as a full time cop, Farina finally quit after 18 years on the force to pursue an acting career at the age of 41. With his rugged good looks and well earned street toughness, he immediately became a staple on television cop shows, making appearances on shows such as "Hunter" and "Remington Steele" before capping his television work as a regular on the long running series "Law & Order."

But while he may be most famous for his roles in television, Farina is best known to film fans for his roles in the action comedies "Midnight Run" and "Get Shorty." He also had a minor but memorable role in Steven Spielberg's classic war film "Saving Private Ryan." At the time of his death, Farina was filming the upcoming comedy "Lucky Stiff;" no word yet on how his untimely death will affect filming.

Farina is survived by three children and six grandchildren, as well as his partner of 35 years, Marianne Cahill.