Fred Thompson, who crisscrossed the worlds of politics and entertainment, died Sunday at age 73.
The former United States senator, actor and presidential candidate succumbed to lymphoma in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thompson, a Tennessee Republican and former Watergate investigator, served nine years in the Senate and ran for president in 2008.
During his acting career, he appeared in a number of movies and commercials, and had a regular role on the hit NBC series “Law & Order.”
As news of Thompson’s death spread, his friends, fellow politicians and members of the entertainment community took to social media to remember the man they described as a “true Tennessee gentleman” who would always “light up the room.”
Country music musician and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner John Rich called Thompson a “true patriot,” while Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, said working with Thompson was “always a joy.”
Below is a sampling of tributes.
to family and friends of Fred Thompson – Deepest Condolences -RIP FRED – a True Tennesee Gentleman and Terrific Actor
— Robert Davi (@RobertJohnDavi) November 1, 2015
RIP #FredThompson. Working with you was always a joy. Your honesty, humor and wisdom was uncommon. C: @Tribeca
— jane rosenthal (@janetribeca) November 1, 2015
I'll miss my great friend @fredthompson tremendously. We spent many memorable times together. He was a true #Patriot #fredthompson @FoxNews
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) November 1, 2015
https://twitter.com/TheTimMcGraw/status/660968892127453185
It's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my friend and former colleague Fred Thompson.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) November 2, 2015
“Very few people can light up the room the way Fred Thompson did…He was my friend for nearly fifty years. I will miss him greatly…” (1/2)
— Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) November 1, 2015
"Honey and I and our entire family send our love and sympathy to Jeri and the Thompson family.” (2/2) https://t.co/GKQ65AH37g
— Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) November 1, 2015
Sorry to hear of @fredthompson death. Had a great private home dinner w him one night while Dick Cheney ignored both of us!
— Michael D. Brown (@MichaelBrownUSA) November 1, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go to Fred Thompson and his family tonight. Rest in peace.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 2, 2015
Fred Thompson served the people of Tennessee and America with great honor and distinction. My full statement: https://t.co/QjqOqasLva.
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) November 2, 2015
Fred Thompson had a common-sense approach to addressing our nation’s toughest challenges. He will be missed. https://t.co/RndxprjJ54
— Bill Frist, M.D. (@bfrist) November 2, 2015
Sry to learn of Fred Thompson's death. Whether acting or representing TN, he was genuine & comfortable being himself https://t.co/NceOXpIsOg
— Larry King (@kingsthings) November 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/imthesmash/status/660968211006005248