Former U.S. Senator Fred D. Thompson passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday in Nashville.

The Tennessean reports the politician, actor and attorney died from a recurrence of lymphoma. Thompson was first diagnosed with the disease in 2004.

"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," read a statement from Thompson's relatives.

Thompson was well known both for his presence on the screen and in politics. The 6-foot-6 actor with the iconic booming voice appeared in such films "In the Line of Fire," "The Hunt for Red October" and "Die Hard 2," as well as television shows like "Law & Order."

Prior to his acting career, he worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and was selected as the Republican counsel for the Watergate Committee that influenced President Nixon's resignation.

Thompson ran for Senate in 1994, securing the seat left unoccupied by Al Gore's ascension to vice president. He was reelected for a full term in 96 but abruptly retired when his term expired in 2003 despite gaining popularity and earning comparisons to President Ronald Reagan.

He went on to make a run for president in 2008, but eventually dropped out the race after faring poorly.

"Today Tennessee lost a talented and admired statesman and many of us lost a beloved friend," said former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who worked with Thompson. "Working at his side in the Senate for eight years, Fred embodied what has always been the best of Tennessee politics -- he listened carefully and was happy to work across the aisle for causes that he believed were right."

Current Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander also gave a statement on Thompson.

"Very few people can light up the room the way Fred Thompson did," Alexander said on Sunday. "He used his magic as a lawyer, actor, Watergate counsel, and United States senator to become one of our country's most principled and effective public servants. He was my friend for nearly 50 years. I will miss him greatly. Honey and I and our entire family send our love and sympathy to Jeri and the Thompson family."

Watch a 1994 political campaign ad from Fred Thompson below.