Fred Thompson went on to seek nomination as a Republican presidential candidate in 2008, but failed for lack of funds. He first became well-known for his questioning in the Watergate scandal when he was the chief Republican counsel to the Senate committee investigating the issues surrounding Watergate. He made his discovery of the recording equipment when questioning Alexander Butterfield, a former aide to President Nixon. 

Amazing life

A broad career took into him into acting, including roles in The Hunt for Red October and Cape Fear. Jeb Bush, one of the current Republican candidates for the presidential nomination, said via Twitter: 'Fred Thompson lived an amazing life, he will be sorely missed.' Source: Financial Times