SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) -- Anne Francis, the actress who appeared in the 1956 sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet and later starred as a sexy detective in the TV series Honey West, died Sunday from complications of pancreatic cancer, according to The Los Angeles Times. She was 80. A family spokeswomen told The Los Angeles Times that Francis, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, died at a retirement home in Santa Barbara, California. Francis’ career also included roles in films such as Blackboard Jungle, Bad Day at Black Rock, Funny Girl and Battle Cry. According to IMDB.com, the actress’s last acting role was a 2004 appearance in the CBS series Without a Trace.
But it was Forbidden Planet and her role as the daughter of a scientist on a planet inhabited by an alien monster that brought Francis fame in Hollywood. The movie co-starred Walter Pidegon, as well as Leslie Nielsen, who died on Nov. 28, 2010. Francis also broke ground with the TV series Honey West. Though it only ran one season, from 1965-1966, it was one of the first TV series to star a woman in an action role.
Monty, I had no idea Anne Francis, passed a way. I saw the film, Forbidden Planet, for the first time yesterday, while I was sitting in a hospital waiting room. My 94 year old father in-law had emergency surgery yesterday. Looks like he will be ok. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI will post a couple of my favorite Ann Francis pictures.