Well this is terrible news. Actor, Senator, and conservative 2008 presidential candidate Fred Thompson has passed away.
Former sen Fred Thompson has passed away, family announces in statement
— Alex Isenstadt (@politicoalex) November 1, 2015
the wonderful Fred Thompson has passed away. condolences to Jeri and the kids.
— Michael Ledeen (@michaelledeen) November 1, 2015
Sad news from Tennessee: Fred Thompson died today in Nashville. A recurrence of lymphoma, per a statement. Quite a life.
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) November 1, 2015
"Russians don't take a dump, son, without a plan." — Fred Thompson, The Hunt for Red October
— AgainstTrumpDude (@TheAmishDude) November 1, 2015
Fred Thompson died. OMG. Ugh. That's a gut punch. Sad, sad day.
— ZombieHarambe2016 (@LilMissRightie) November 1, 2015
Fred Thompson, a former U.S. senator for Tennessee, GOP presidential candidate, Watergate attorney and longtime “Law and Order” star, has died.
Mr. Thompson, 73, died on Sunday from after a recurrence of lymphoma, according to a statement issued from the Thompson family.
“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 his family,” the statement reads.
“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. ”
As an attorney, he helped lead to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. As a politician, he served the state of Tennessee for eight years as a conservative Republican in the U.S. Senate and briefly as a possible GOP presidential nominee. As an actor, he stared in some of the most prominent films and television series of his time.
At 6’5″ with a booming voice, Mr. Thompson and his larger-than-life persona played a role in several key moments that shaped the U.S. and Tennessee political landscape.
He was a damn good man, and had the best sense of humor. He’ll be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.