Frankie Vaughan was an American actor and singer, best known for his roles in “Let’s Make Love,” “The Right Approach,” and “These Dangerous Years.” He was born on February 3, 1928, in Liverpool, England, and later became a notable performer in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Frankie Vaughan, born Frank Abelson, was the son of a Russian-Jewish upholsterer. He grew up in a poor neighborhood in Liverpool and was raised by his grandmother after his parents married young and worked. Vaughan married Stella Shock in 1950, and they had three children: David, Susan, and Andrew. He was dedicated to his family and chose not to pursue a Hollywood career after filming “Let’s Make Love,” a decision he never regretted.
Career Highlights
Vaughan was a talented performer known for his singing and dancing in cabarets and theater. He became famous for the song “Give Me the Moonlight, Give Me the Girl,” which he discovered in a Glasgow music shop in 1954. Vaughan was recognized as the first British entertainer to top the bill in New York and Las Vegas. Despite his success, he remained a shy person and was often nervous before performances, especially if family members were in the audience.
Death and Legacy
Frankie Vaughan passed away on September 17, 1999, in Buckinghamshire, England, due to a heart ailment. His legacy as a prominent entertainer continues, and he is remembered for his significant contributions to the music and film industry. Vaughan’s style and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow performers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s Make Love | 1960-09-08 | Tony Danton |
| The Right Approach | 1961-05-17 | Leo Mack |
| These Dangerous Years | 1957-07-03 | Dave Wyman |
| Ramsbottom Rides Again | 1956-04-30 | Elmer |
| Wonderful Things! | 1958-06-10 | Carmello |
| The Lady is a Square | 1959-02-03 | Johnny Burns |
| It’s All Over Town | 1963-12-01 | Frankie Vaughan |
| The Heart of a Man | 1959-08-06 | Frankie Martin |
| Top of the Pops | 1964-01-01 | Self |
| Surprise, Surprise | 1984-05-06 | Self – Performer |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |
| The Oscars | 1953-03-19 | Self |
| The Liberace Show | 1952-05-16 | |
| Six Fifty-Five Special | 1981-07-13 | Self |
| The Dick Clark Show | 1958-02-15 | Self |
| American Bandstand | 1957-08-05 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Morecambe & Wise Show | 1968-09-02 | |
| Cilla | 1968-01-30 | Self |
| Rising Stars | 1979-10-14 | Self – Host |