Fred Thomson, the former U.S. senator from Tennessee, Republican presidential candidate and “Law and Order” actor, died Sunday after a recurrence of lymphoma. He was 73.

Thompson’s family announced the news in a statement, which was published in The Tennessean.

“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of grief that we share the passing of our brother, husband, father, and grandfather who died peacefully in Nashville surrounded by his family,” the statement said.

It continued: "Fred once said that the experiences he had growing up in small-town Tennessee formed the prism through which he viewed the world and shaped the way he dealt with life. Fred stood on principle and common sense, and had a deep love for and connection with the people across Tennessee whom he had the privilege to serve in the United States Senate. He enjoyed a hearty laugh, a strong handshake, a good cigar, and a healthy dose of humility. Fred was the same man on the floor of the Senate, the movie studio, or the town square of Lawrenceburg, his home.

"Fred believed that the greatness of our nation was defined by the hard work, faith, and honesty of its people. He had an enduring belief in the exceptionalism of our country, and that America could provide the opportunity for any boy or girl, in any corner of our country, to succeed in life. "

Thompson, born in 1942, served in the senate from December 1994 to January 2003.


Following his time in the senate, Thompson played District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order for five seasons, leaving the show to run for president.

Thought to be a contender during the early stages of the 2008 Republican presidential primary cycle, Thompson drew little support in many of the early states and he took a big hit when the former Southern senator failed to win South Carolina. He eventually dropped out in late January.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/01/fred-thompson-former-us-senator-dead-at-73/?intcmp=hpbt3

I loved him in Law and Order SVU!

Sad loss...was a great actor and a good politician.

They are still running his commercials.

RIP a good man.

A full life...

Senator, actor, attorney, lobbyist, public speaker, radio personality.
Married twice & 5 children
(4 living)

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Thompson/

Fred Thompson, also known for his role in the 1980s movie 'War Games'.

R.I.P.

He was also in the Cape Fear remake with Robert DeNiro and Nick Nolte. Also Die Hard 2, The Hunt for Red October and Days of Thunder.

Quite a shock when I heard the news. I didn't realize he was suffering from lymphoma.

Enjoyed his wit and good humor.

Rest In Peace, Senator Thompson.

He kept his private life really private. I feel sorry for his kids, they are what like 8? And his poor grieving wife who's half his age. Maybe she needs some comfort right now ;)