Don Francks was a Canadian actor known for his roles in Finian’s Rainbow, La Femme Nikita, and Heavy Metal. He was born Donald Harvey Francks on February 28, 1932, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and passed away on April 3, 2016, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from cancer.
Personal and Family Life
Don Francks was married twice. His first marriage was to Nancy Sue Johnson from 1962 to 1967, with whom he had two children. Later, he married Lili Francks in 1968, and they had two children, including actress Cree Summer. Francks met Lili while she was dancing on The Dean Martin Show.
Career Highlights
Francks began performing at a young age and had a varied career, including acting, singing, and writing. He was known for appearing in several popular television series in the 1960s and 1970s and gained recognition for his role as “Walter” in La Femme Nikita. His film credits include Finian’s Rainbow and I’m Not There.
Death and Legacy
Don Francks passed away on April 3, 2016, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor and musician who supported Native American rights and environmental causes. His contributions to the film and television industry continue to be remembered by fans and peers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| I’m Not There | 2007-10-01 | Hobo Joe |
| Rock & Rule | 1983-04-15 | Mok (voice) |
| Married to It | 1991-09-11 | Sol Chamberlain |
| Johnny Mnemonic | 1995-05-26 | Hooky |
| Finian’s Rainbow | 1968-10-09 | Woody Mahoney |
| My Bloody Valentine | 1981-02-11 | Chief Jake Newby |
| The Minion | 1998-09-26 | Chief Michael Bear |
| The Christmas Wife | 1988-12-12 | Social Arranger |
| 984: Prisoner of the Future | 1982-08-22 | The Warden |
| Hemlock Grove | 2013-04-19 | Nicolae |
| Gangland Undercover | 2015-02-24 | Lizard |
| He Never Died | 2015-12-18 | Goatee Man |
| Summer’s Children | 1979-09-07 | Albert |
| La Femme Nikita | 1997-01-13 | Walter |
| Star Wars: Droids | 1985-09-07 | Boba Fett (voice) |