Anthony Franciosa Dies at 77

Anthony Franciosa, who earned a Tony Award nomination and a Theatre World Award for his performance in A Hatful of Rain, died of a massive stroke on January 19 at UCLA Medical Center. He was 77.

Franciosa was briefly married to his Rain co-star Shelley Winters, who died last weekend. He recreated his stage role in the film version, earning an Oscar nomination. (Winters’ role was played on screen by Eva Marie Saint). His other Broadway credits were End as a Man and Wedding Breakfast, the latter with Lee Grant.

Among the many films in which Franciosa appeared are Period of Adjustment (based on the Tennessee Williams play), A Face in the Crowd, The Long Hot Summer, and Wild as the Wind. His TV credits include Valentine’s Day, The Name of the Game, and Matt Helm.

Franciosa is survived by his wife Rita, and his children Nina, Christopher, and Marco.