Actor James Farentino dies of heart failure at 73 FILE - This Nov. 11, 1980 file photo shows James Farentino and Faye Dunaway, who star in...

Actor James Farentino dies of heart failure at 73

FILE - This Nov. 11, 1980 file photo shows James Farentino and Faye Dunaway, who star in "Evita Pero," in Los Angeles. A family spokesman says actor Farentino, who appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, has died in a Los Angeles hospital. He was 73. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

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

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

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 Duke in 1969's "Me, Natalie."

In 1967, he won a "Most Promising Newcomer" Golden Globe for his performance in the comedy "The Pad and How to Use It."

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.

In 1978, he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Saint Peter in the television mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth."

A four-time divorcee, Farentino's tumultuous personal life made headlines, too.

In March 1994, he pleaded no contest to stalking his ex-girlfriend Tina Sinatra, 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, New York, in 1938, Farentino is survived by two sons, David and Saverio.