LOS ANGELES: Anthony Franciosa, star of the 50's and 60's, known for his intense portrayals of moody, troubled characters died Thursday night at the UCLA Medical Center.
The 77-year old actor was admitted here after he suffered a massive stroke on Monday. Franciosa began his career on Broadway and later moved up to Hollywood.
He belonged to the group of actors who revolutionized acting on screen, by bringing a touch of realism to their portrayals. Known as the 'method acting' school, it had such illustrious names as Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger, Paul Newman, James Dean. Franciosa's former wife Shelley Winters who died last Saturday, also belonged to this group.
Women considered him rakishly handsome and his portrayals of complicate brooding young men won him many accolades. His first moment in the spotlight came in 1956 when he received a Tony nomination for his strong performance in the play 'A Hatful of Rain' in which he played the brother of a drug addict. His run of success continued in Hollywood with films such as 'The Long Hot Summer', 'The Story on Page One', 'The Naked Maja' 'Rio Conchos', 'Period of Adjustment' and 'The Pleasure Seekers'.
The actor later developed a combative nature which put him in disfavor with movie production houses. He was alleged to have fiery arguments with his directors and co-actors. His career on television was also short-lived because of such behavior. He was fired from the 1971 TV series 'The Name of the Game' for his 'erratic behavior'. His career ended with fewer offers from Hollywood and a few appearances on TV and in European films.
