Biography
After a brief stint in summer stock, Franciscus made his feature debut in "Four Boys and a Gun" (1956). Although he appeared in several films during the 1960s and 70s (most notably as the title character in "Youngblood Hawke" 1964), he is best known for his work on four TV series: as the rookie detective on "Naked City" (1958-59), as the idealistic high school English teacher "Mr. Novak" (1963-65), the blind insurance investigator on …
Latest Tv Credits
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Career Milestones
| Started James Franciscus Celebrity Tennis Tournament to help victims of multiple sclerosis (a disease afflicting his mother) in the 1970s | ||
| Played the title role in the ABC drama series, "Doc Elliot" | ||
| Starred in title role as a blind insurance investigator in "Longstreet" | ||
1969 | Produced TV special, "Heidi" (also acted) | |
1968 | Became vice president, producer of Omnibus Productions Inc. which he cofounded with with Fred Brogger | |
| Starred as a high-school English teacher in TV series, "Mr. Novak" | ||
1961 | Played insurance company investigator in short-lived TV series, "The Investigators" | |
1958 | Regular role on TV series, "Naked City" | |
1957 | Feature acting debut, "Four Boys and a Gun" | |
1957 | Disney executive saw him in production of "The Great Gatsby" and asked him to read for a role in "A Light in the Forest"; didn't get part but signed for lead in the thriller "Four Boys and a Gun" (date approximate) | |
| First TV appearance as performer on "The General Electric Theater" (1953-1962) | ||
| Produced and scripted three plays while at Yale Drama School | ||
| Acted in summer stock theater in Massachussetts | ||
Awards
1969 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Dramatic Program in Heidi |
1964 | Golden Globe Award for Actor in a Television Series in Mr. Novak |