Fran Allison was an American actress, best known for her work on the television show Kukla, Fran and Ollie, and her performances in various radio shows and movies. Born on November 20, 1907, in La Porte City, Iowa, she became a beloved figure in early television for her charm and humor.
Personal and Family Life
Fran graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the late 1920s with a teaching degree. She later married music publisher Archie Levington in 1941, and the couple did not have any children. They settled in Los Angeles, where Fran often felt like a mother to the many children who watched her shows.
Career
Fran began her career singing for a radio orchestra and soon became a staff singer for NBC. During World War II, she met puppeteer Burr Tillstrom, leading to her iconic role on Kukla, Fran and Ollie, which started airing in 1947. The show featured her delightful interactions with puppets Kukla and Ollie, earning several Emmy nominations and acclaim for its creativity.
Death and Legacy
Fran Allison passed away on June 13, 1989, at the age of 81 due to a bone marrow disease in Sherman Oaks, California. She was laid to rest in her home state of Iowa, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in children’s television and a beloved entertainer.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pinocchio | 1957-10-13 | Blue Haired Fairy Queen |
| Damn Yankees | 1967-04-08 | Meg Boyd |
| The Muppet Movie | 1979-06-22 | Additional Muppet Performer |
| This Is Your Life | 1952-10-01 | Self |
| Your Show of Shows | 1950-02-25 | |
| Kukla, Fran and Ollie | 1947-10-13 | Fran |
| Down You Go | 1951-05-30 | Self |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Self – Kukla Fran & Ollie |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Panelist |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Tonight Starring Jack Paar | 1957-07-29 | Self |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |