Actor popular in ’50s, ’60s dies
Published 9:00 pm Friday, January 20, 2006
LOS ANGELES – Anthony Franciosa, whose strong portrayals of moody, troubled characters made him a Hollywood star in the 1950s and ’60s but whose combative behavior on movie sets hampered his career, has died, his publicist said Friday. He was 77.
Franciosa died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center after suffering a massive stroke, publicist Dick Guttman said. The actor’s wife, Rita, and children were present. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime friend, visited the family later, Guttman said.
Franciosa was part of a new wave in the mid-20th century who revolutionized film acting with their introspective, intensely realistic approach to their roles. Most of them were schooled in the method acting of New York’s Actors Studio. They included Marlon Brando, James Dean, Rod Steiger, Shelley Winters and Paul Newman.
Franciosa was once married to Winters, who died last weekend.
From his first important film role as the brother of a drug addict in “A Hatful of Rain,” Franciosa became known for his portrayals of complicated young men. He received a 1956 Tony nomination for his performance in the role he created on Broadway, then an Oscar nod. In 1957, the actor appeared in three other films, “This Could Be the Night,” “A Face in the Crowd” and “Wild Is the Wind.”
Franciosa’s career continued in high gear with such films as “The Long Hot Summer,” “The Naked Maja” “The Story on Page One,” “Period of Adjustment,” “Rio Conchos” and “The Pleasure Seekers.”
The actor’s behavior on movie productions became the subject of Hollywood gossip. The stories alleged fiery disputes with directors, sulking in his dressing room, outbursts with other actors.
His first TV series, “Valentine’s Day,” cast him as a swinging New York publishing executive involved in numerous romances. It lasted one season (1964-65).
In “The Name of the Game” (1968-71) Franciosa alternated with Gene Barry and Robert Stack as adventurous members of a Los Angeles publishing firm. In 1971 the producing company, Universal Pictures, fired him from the series, charging erratic behavior.
