Fred Thompson has passed away at age 73. His legacy includes a lengthy Law and Order tenure as well as, of course, a storied political career. The former U.S. senator and GOP presidential candidate lost his battle with lymphoma in his native Tennessee. Thompson was surrounded by friends and family as he left this world. His family released this statement:
“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 is survived by his wife, Jeri Keyn, his three living children, and a host of grandchildren. He previously battled with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2004 before the condition subsequently returned in 2007, but Thompson said it did not affect his 2008 presidential campaign.
Thompson was well known for his “folksy” manner, which was somewhat at odds with his no-nonsense portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law and Order. This dichotomy functions as wonderful evidence of his underrated presence as an actor. Thompson’s family further added, “Our nation has lost a servant, Tennessee has lost a son, and our family has lost its rock.”
(Via The Tennessean & NBC)
