Actor. A multi-talented performer, he made his mark as a jazz musician, vocalist and a versatile actor. Additionally, he became known for his voice work in several Canadian and American television series. Born Donald Harvey Francks, he played sports during his youth including lacrosse and enjoyed entertaining, as he gained experience in vaudeville, in addition to playing the trombone, drums and flute. Francks moved to Toronto during the early 1950s and initiated his career in television, which resulted in his co-starring as 'Constable Bill Mitchell' in the series "R.C.M.P." (1959 to 1960). He collaborated with Lenny Breau and Eon Henstridge to record the jazz album "At the Purple Onion" (1962). During the 1960s, he appeared in a wide range of American TV programs including "Ben Casey", "The Wild, Wild West", "Mannix" and starred as 'Franklin Sheppard' in the series "Jericho" (1966 to 1967). He may be best remembered by movie audiences for playing 'Woody Mahoney' in the early Francis Ford Coppola picture "Finian's Rainbow" (1968), which starred Fred Astaire. He also provided the voice of Mok Swagger in the 1983 animated film, Rock and Rule. Francks remained busy in TV and films until the time of his death and played the role of 'Walter' in the television series "La Femme Nikita" (1997 to 2001). He was married to actress Lili Francks. He died from cancer.
Actor. A multi-talented performer, he made his mark as a jazz musician, vocalist and a versatile actor. Additionally, he became known for his voice work in several Canadian and American television series. Born Donald Harvey Francks, he played sports during his youth including lacrosse and enjoyed entertaining, as he gained experience in vaudeville, in addition to playing the trombone, drums and flute. Francks moved to Toronto during the early 1950s and initiated his career in television, which resulted in his co-starring as 'Constable Bill Mitchell' in the series "R.C.M.P." (1959 to 1960). He collaborated with Lenny Breau and Eon Henstridge to record the jazz album "At the Purple Onion" (1962). During the 1960s, he appeared in a wide range of American TV programs including "Ben Casey", "The Wild, Wild West", "Mannix" and starred as 'Franklin Sheppard' in the series "Jericho" (1966 to 1967). He may be best remembered by movie audiences for playing 'Woody Mahoney' in the early Francis Ford Coppola picture "Finian's Rainbow" (1968), which starred Fred Astaire. He also provided the voice of Mok Swagger in the 1983 animated film, Rock and Rule. Francks remained busy in TV and films until the time of his death and played the role of 'Walter' in the television series "La Femme Nikita" (1997 to 2001). He was married to actress Lili Francks. He died from cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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