Tony-Nominated 'A Hatful of Rain' Star Anthony Franciosa Dies

By: Jan. 20, 2006
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

Anthony Franciosa, a respected stage and screen actor who received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the original Broadway production of A Hatful of Rain, has passed on at the age of 77.  Franciosa died at the UCLA Medical Center, with the cause of death cited as a massive stroke.

Franciosa's passing comes less than a week after that of Shelley Winters; he was married to the fiery actress (and his Hatful of Rain co-star) from 1957 to 1960. 

The actor was born as Anthony Papaleo on October 25th, 1928.  He also won a Theatre World Award for his work in A Hatful of Rain, and an Oscar nomination for his performance in the film adaptation of the play.  His other Broadway credits included End as a Man and Wedding Breakfast.

Franciosa also appeared on screen and on television in City Hall, Julie Darling, "Fame is the Name of the Game," The Pleasure Seekers, Period of Adjustment, The Long, Hot Summer, A Face in the Crowd, as well as in a number of Italian films.  He was a guest star on numerous TV series throughout his career.

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

Vote Sponsor


Videos