Children: Dennis Farina Jr., Michael Farina, and Joseph Farina.
Father of actor Joe Farina.
He is the only actor on "Law & Order" (1990) who has actually served in law enforcement.
His date of birth has only occured 15 times so far in his life, because February 29th is Leap Day, the well known "extra" day of a Leap Year (containing 366 days), which only occur every four years.
In the film Get Shorty (1995), Dennis played Mr. Barboni. In the end of the film, Chili Palmer (John Travolta) is making a movie about his experiences in Hollywood, the role of Chili is portrayed by Martin Weir (Danny DeVito) and that of Barboni by Harvey Keitel. Dennis Farina played Jack Crawford in Manhunter (1986) (film based on the Thomas Harris novel "Red Dragon"). Harvey Keitel played Crawford in Red Dragon (2002).
Is an ex-Chicago policeman. He served on on that city's police force for 18 years.
Is one of three actors to play Jack Crawford in the Hannibal Lecter films. He played the role in Manhunter (1986). Scott Glenn played the role in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and Harvey Keitel played the role in Red Dragon (2002).
Italian-American.
Once claimed in an interview that as a Chicago cop he was such a bad shot, he earned the nickname "The Great Wounder."
Plead no contest to carrying a weapon into a secured area. Was arrested in May, 2008 on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon after police say they found a .22-caliber handgun in his briefcase as he tried to pass through security at LAX airport. Sentenced to 24 months probation [July 17, 2008].
Spent three years in the military before becoming a police officer.
Was considered for the role of "Joey Zasa" in The Godfather: Part III (1990).
When Dennis Farina was a Chicago police officer, one of his partners was Chuck Adamson, who later created the television series 'Crime Story (TV Series 1986-1988)' and wrote for such shows as 'Miami Vice (TV Series 1984-1990)'.