Actress. Born Francine Yerich, she spent part of her childhood in Cleveland and developed a love for acting which led to her performance in a theater production while in elementary school. She returned with her family to the place of her birth in Aurora, Minnesota and gained attention as winner of local beauty contests, which included 'Miss Minnesota.' She went on to modeling sweaters and performing in nightclub acts, prior to being discovered by Hollywood. She made her professional debut in a 1959 episode of the TV program "Rescue Eight." She followed this with credits on such series as "Route 66," "The Untouchables" and "My Favorite Martian." Early in her career, she benefited when Jerry Lewis took a liking to her and cast her in several of his films which included "It's Only Money" (1962), "The Nutty Professor" (1963), "The Disorderly Orderly" (1964) and "The Family Jewels" (1965). Her television career continued to expand, as she experienced roles in the programs "Batman" (playing Lydia Limpet), "The Wild, Wild West," "Land of the Giants," "Love, American Style" and "Columbo," as well as many more. She remained an active performer until her death from cancer.
Actress. Born Francine Yerich, she spent part of her childhood in Cleveland and developed a love for acting which led to her performance in a theater production while in elementary school. She returned with her family to the place of her birth in Aurora, Minnesota and gained attention as winner of local beauty contests, which included 'Miss Minnesota.' She went on to modeling sweaters and performing in nightclub acts, prior to being discovered by Hollywood. She made her professional debut in a 1959 episode of the TV program "Rescue Eight." She followed this with credits on such series as "Route 66," "The Untouchables" and "My Favorite Martian." Early in her career, she benefited when Jerry Lewis took a liking to her and cast her in several of his films which included "It's Only Money" (1962), "The Nutty Professor" (1963), "The Disorderly Orderly" (1964) and "The Family Jewels" (1965). Her television career continued to expand, as she experienced roles in the programs "Batman" (playing Lydia Limpet), "The Wild, Wild West," "Land of the Giants," "Love, American Style" and "Columbo," as well as many more. She remained an active performer until her death from cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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