Family Mourns Actor, Senator Fred Thompson's Death
Former Tennessee senator and Hollywood actor Fred Thompson died Sunday at 73 years old from a recurrence of lymphoma.
Perhaps best-known for his roles in the films "In the Line of Fire" and "The Hunt for Red October," Thompson also served eight years in the U.S. Senate.
The Republican won Al Gore's seat in a special election in 1994 and was re-elected to a full term in 1996.
In 2008, Thompson mounted a campaign for president, but dropped out after poor early showings.
According to a family statement, Thompson passed away in Nashville while surrounded by relatives.
"Fred was the same man on the floor of the Senate, the movie studio, or the town square of Lawrenceburg, his home," the statement said. "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."
"Our nation has lost a servant, Tennessee has lost a son, and our family has lost its rock," the family wrote. "In the days ahead, we ask for prayers of comfort, assurance, and peace."
