James Franciscus Biography

With dozens of movies and television series, the late American actor James Franciscus is still regarded as one of the 1970s and 1980s superstars. He played many successful roles in films but gained ripe for his role in hit television series like Mr. Novak, The Naked City, The Investigators, Longstreet, and more. 

Early Life, Bio, And Family 

James Franciscus was born on July 8, 1991, in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, to Lorraine (mother) and John Allen Franciscus (father). His father John was killed in action during World War II. He grew up in his hometown, Los Angeles. He also had a sibling-brother named John Franciscus. He was an American as per his nationality and belonged to Whited ethnicity. 

James attended the Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and theatre arts. From the university, he also graduated magna cum laude. 

Professional Career And Wiki 

Upon his graduation, James Franciscus kick-started his acting career playing a role in a 1957 crime film Four Boys and a Gun. A year after, the actor shot to fame following his appearance in the hit TV series Naked City. Furthermore, he was a cast in the CBS anthology series, The DuPont Show with June Allyson. 

In 1960, James appeared in a movie I Passed for White. From 1963–65, the actor played titles role in NBC's Mr. Novak sharing the screen along with Burgess Meredith and Dean Jagger. His other most successful television role was in ABC's Longstreet. He appeared in the series from 1971-7s along with Peter Mark Richman and Ann Doran. 

Subsequently, James worked in numerous features movies like Youngblood Hawke, Snow Treasure, The Amazing Dobermans, Marooned, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and among others. In the year 1982, the actor was a cast in a movie Butterfly alongside Pia Zadora, Ed McMahon, Orson Welles, and more. 

Net Worth, Earnings, And Income

As per some reliable online sources, it was reported that James Franciscus had a net worth of around $1 million at the time of his death. His major earning source was his work in many hit TV series and movies. Further about his income and property is not revealed.  

In 1980, the actor was a cast in Nighkill along with Jaclyn Smith whose net worth as of 2019 is around $90 million. 

Marriage, Wife, And Relationship 

James Franciscus married his wife Kathleen "Kitty" Wellman, on March 28, 1960, in an intimate wedding ceremony. His wife Wellman was a daughter of legendary film director William A. Wellman. The couple welcomed four children; daughters Jamie Franciscus, Corie Franciscus, Kellie Franciscus, and Jolie Franciscus. 

The couple, however, divorced on 21 Feb 1979. James later went on to marry to his second wife Carla Deen Ankney, in 1980. They were together until his death on July 8, 1991. 

He was 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Death

James Franciscus passed way on 8 July 1991 at the age of 57. He died from emphysema, in his house located in North Hollywood, California.