Actor James Farentino, 73, dies of heart failure

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Actor James Farentino, named Golden Globes' most promising newcomer in 1967, died Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospital, according to a family spokesman. He was 73.

Brooklyn-born Farentino, who appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows and even earned an Emmy nod for his performance as Saint Peter, 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 even played George Clooney's estranged father on "ER."

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

Also a stage actor, Farentino won acclaim recreating the role of Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 1973 and playing a porn producer in the 2003 Los Angeles production of "Boy Gets Girl."

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 the 1990s, he faced drug possession charges in Canada and 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.

Educated in Brooklyn and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Farentino is survived by two sons, David and Saverio.