Politicians, journalists and everyday Americans expressed sadness at the death Sundayof
Fred Thompson, whose career included politics and acting.
The 6-foot-4 man with a booming voice was known as a lawyer for the Watergate Committee, an actor in films and the TV series "Law & Order" and a two-term U.S. senator from Tennessee and GOP presidential candidate in 2008.
He died Sunday at age 73 of lymphoma.
"It saddens my heart to bid farewell to former Senator Fred Thompson," former Rep. Allen West wrote on his Facebook page. "In 2008 when I first ran for U.S. Congress after returning from Afghanistan, it was the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee who took an interest in me when few did. … Fred Thompson was a towering statesman and his booming southern voice was that of a resolute American."
Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker said Thompson served the people of Tennessee and America with "great honor and distinction."
"From the courtroom to Capitol Hill to Hollywood, his larger than life personality was infectious and had a way of making all of those around him strive to be better," Corker said. "Through his many different roles in public life, Fred never forgot where he came from, and our state and country miss his common sense approach to public service."
Reaction on Twitter expressed sadness and surprise as well.
Democratic pollster Doug Schoen, appearing on "Fox Report," called Thompson "a creative man, a man who was bipartisan, committed to Republican principles.
Thompson was active on Twitter up until about a month ago, and was always quick with a quip. He often hashtagged is tweets #tcot for "Top conservatives on Twitter."
His next-to-last tweet hammered liberals for their approach to gun control.
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