Frank Yaconelli was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Dr. Cyclops,” “Lucky Terror,” and “Zorro.” He had a diverse career in films and vaudeville, earning recognition for his performances.
Personal and Family Life
Frank Yaconelli was born Francesco Yaconelli on October 2, 1898, in San Biagio, Italy, and moved to the United States with his family when he was just one year old. He was the eldest of twelve children. To help support his family, Frank had to leave school after the sixth grade and began performing as a street musician. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I at a young age and later became a naturalized citizen.
Career
After his military service, Frank Yaconelli moved to Hollywood in the mid-1920s to pursue his acting career in movies and vaudeville. Along with his brother, he founded a motion picture company, but they lost it during the Great Depression. He continued to entertain troops during World War II and the Korean War with his USO performances. Throughout his life, he was involved in various charitable acts and was honored with a Senate Resolution for his service.
Death and Legacy
Frank Yaconelli passed away on November 19, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, due to lung cancer. His contributions to entertainment and service to the military left a lasting impact, and he is remembered fondly for his dedication to public service and the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Cyclops | 1940-04-09 | Pedro |
| Lucky Terror | 1936-02-20 | Anthony ‘Tony’ Giribaldi |
| Zorro | 1957-10-10 | Pancho |
| Blazing Justice | 1936-01-18 | Rusty, Guitar Player |
| Down to the Sea | 1936-05-30 | Pete |
| The Best Man Wins | 1935-01-14 | Waiter |
| Lone Star Law Men | 1941-12-05 | Lopez Mendoza |
| Gun Play | 1935-12-02 | Frank Gorman |
| South of Monterey | 1946-06-15 | Baby |
| Riding the California Trail | 1947-01-11 | Baby |