Fred Thompson dies after losing his battle with lymphoma aged 73

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Fred Thompson died with his family at his side at his home in Nashville
Former Republican senator and actor, 73, was suffering from lymphoma
Best known for his role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order
Thompson announced run for President in 2007 but dropped out in 2008
He played a key role in Watergate hearings that led to Nixon's resignation
'He enjoyed a hearty laugh, a strong handshake, a good cigar, and a healthy dose of humility,' his grieving family said

Published: 18:31 EST, 1 November 2015 | Updated: 19:46 EST, 1 November 2015

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Actor and former Republican senator Fred Thompson has died aged 73, his family have said.

Thompson, who starred in Law & Order and Die Hard II as well as being a senator in Tennessee, died on Sunday in Nashville after a battle with lymphoma.

'It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of grief that we share the passing of our brother, father and grandfather who died peacefully Nashville surrounded by his family,' a statement from his family said.

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Actor and former Republican senator Fred Thompson has died aged 73, his family have said

Thompson, who starred in Law & Order (pictured as District Attorney Arthur Branch) and Die Hard II, died Sunday in Nashville after a recurrence of lymphoma

Family man: Thompson leaves behind his second wife Jeri Kehn (pictured together), 49, four children and five grandchildren

The heartfelt statement continued: '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.'

Thompson, a lawyer, alternated between politics and acting much of his adult life.

He was best known on screen for playing District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order for five seasons, before leaving the show to run for President in 2007.

Thompson was best known on screen for playing District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order for five seasons

Thompson (pictured at a Broadway premiere in 2013, left, and in Law & Order, right) died on Sunday in Nashville after a battle with lymphoma

However his bid for the presidency ended when he failed to win in South Carolina. Thompson, born in 1942, served in the senate from December 1994 to January 2003.

The son of a car salesman, Thompson was born in Sheffield, Alabama, and grew up in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, where he was a star athlete.

He graduated from Memphis State University in 1964 and earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1967. To pay for school, he worked at a bicycle plant, post office and motel.

Thompson went on to become a lawyer in Nashville. In 1969, he became an assistant U.S. attorney, then volunteered in 1972 to work on the re-election campaign of former Republican Sen. Howard Baker.

As an attorney, he played a key role assisting Republican senators on the Senate Watergate Committee that led to the resignation of President Nixon.

Thompson asked a question to a White House aide which publicly revealed the existence of listening devices in the Oval Office.

Thompson, 6ft 6ins with a booming voice and folksy demeanor, appeared in at least 20 movies. His credits include In the Line of Fire, The Hunt for Red October, Die Hard II and Cape Fear.

Thompson ran for President in 2007 but pulled out of the race in 2008 after failing to win in South Carolina

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2004 but did not speak publicly about it until 2007, when he was in remission.

Thompson told Fox News the cancer was 'fortunately a good kind if you can ever call something like that a good kind' and treatable.

'I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects,' he added.

Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul was one of the first to pay tribute. He tweeted: 'My thoughts and prayers go to Fred Thompson and his family tonight. Rest in peace.'

Fellow GOP runner Jeb Bush said: 'Fred Thompson lived an amazing life, he will be sorely missed. Columba and my prayers are with Jeri and his his kids & grandkids.'

Thompson married Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey at the age of 17 in 1959, going on to have three children with her before their divorce in 1985. His daughter Elizabeth died in January 2002 from an accidental drug overdose.

He later married talk show host and political commentator Jeri Kehn, now 49, and had two children with her. Thompson also leaves behind five grandchildren.