James Franciscus

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. 

James Early Life

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 Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and theatre arts. 

What Is James Famous For?

Upon his graduation, James Franciscus kick-started his acting career playing a role in the 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 the movie I Passed for White. From 1963–65, the actor played the title role in NBC's Mr. Novak sharing the screen along with Burgess Meredith and Dean Jagger.

Popular Tv Series

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 feature movies like Youngblood Hawke, Snow Treasure, The Amazing Dobermans, Marooned, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and others.

In the year 1982, the actor was cast in the movie Butterfly alongside Pia Zadora, Ed McMahon, Orson Welles, and more. 

Net Worth

As per some reliable online sources, it was reported that James Franciscus had a net worth of around $1.5 million at the time of his death. His major earning source was his work in many hit TV series and movies. Further his income and property are not revealed.  

In 1980, the actor was cast in Nighkill along with Jaclyn Smith whose net worth as of 2019 is around $90 million. As of now, in 2022, he has an estimated fortune of $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

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 the 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 his second wife, Carla Deen Ankney, in 1980. They were together until his death on July 8, 1991. 

Cause of Death

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

His death shocked the whole industry and it was the loss in the industry due to death. His death was sympathized with by many people in the industry.

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