Dennis Farina

Farina served in the Chicago police from 1967 to 1985, beginning to act before he finally left the force. Michael Mann's Thief offered an early screen opportunity, and Crime Story helped establish the second career. Familiarity with police work could inform his performances, but acting also allowed him to play criminals and a much wider range of characters. The long overlap makes this a change developed through practical opportunities, not one dramatic audition.