After a recurrence of lymphoma Fred Thompson, 73, died Sunday, November 1st. Thompson is a former U.S. senator from Tennessee, Republican presidential candidate and “Law and Order” actor. Thompson’s family released a statement that was published in The Tennessean that said,

“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 family. Fred once said 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 played District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order for five seasons and then left the show to run for president. He eventually dropped out due to a lack of support. In 1994, he won a seat for Senate and then in 1996 he won a six-year term. After Thompson retired from politics, he hosted a conservative radio talk show and became a TV advertiser for American Advisers Group.