Francine Larrimore was an American actress known for her roles in theater and films. She is best recognized for her performances in ‘Sometime’, ‘Nice People’, and creating the role of Roxie Hart in the musical ‘Chicago’.
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 22, 1898, in Verdun, France, Francine Larrimore moved to the United States as a child. She came from a family of actors; her father was J. Louis La Remee, and her mother was Sarah Adler. She was the sister of actress Stella Larrimore and the niece of actor Jacob P. Adler. Larrimore was married twice, first to songwriter Con Conrad and later to Alfred T. Mannon.
Career
Francine made her stage debut at the age of 12 in the play ‘Where There’s a Will’. She gained fame with major roles in the musical ‘Sometime’ and the comedy ‘Nice People’. In 1926, she became famous for playing Roxie Hart, a role later portrayed by Ginger Rogers in the film version. Despite earlier success in theater, her transition to talking films didn’t go as well, prompting her return to the stage.
Death and Legacy
Francine Larrimore passed away from pneumonia on March 7, 1975, in New York City. Her contributions to the theater, especially her lively portrayals of characters, left a mark on the Broadway scene. Today, she is remembered as part of the Adler acting family and for her influence on American theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| John Meade’s Woman | 1937-02-26 | Teddy Connor |
| The Devil’s Daughter | 1939-12-17 | Island Girl |