Iva Franks was an American actor best known for her roles in “Las Vegas,” “Clueless,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Born on June 29, 1962, in Carson City, Nevada, she made significant contributions to both acting and advocacy throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Iva grew up in Clovis, California, with four older brothers who were martial arts instructors. She was a dedicated athlete from a young age and balanced her passion for acting with her work as an EMT at 24. Iva had one daughter and was married to Matt Singer from July 22, 1995, until their divorce on December 30, 1999. She also had a lineage connection to pioneer William Smeathers.
Career and Advocacy
With over 28 years in the acting industry, Iva was trained in various techniques, including the prestigious Sal Dano Actor’s Workshop and The Groundlings. She appeared in more than 25 independent films, guest-starring in numerous television shows. As a writer, Iva created a dramatic series based on her experience with a stalker, while also working on a documentary about the Khmelnitsky massacre. She actively participated in victims’ rights advocacy and served on the Board of Directors for several organizations.
Death and Legacy
Iva Franks passed away on October 25, 2016, in Clovis, California. Her legacy lives on through her film and television work, as well as her ongoing dedication to victims’ rights. Iva’s story and advocacy inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on both the acting community and victim advocacy organizations.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Battlespace | 2006-12-02 | The Watcher |
| Alien Dawn | 2012-08-06 | Field Reporter / Rhonda Palin |
| Heat | 1995-12-15 | Waitress (uncredited) |
| The Sex Substitute 2 | 2003-03-16 | Debi |
| Jerry Maguire | 1996-12-13 | Airplane Passenger (uncredited) |
| Final Analysis | 1992-02-07 | College Student (uncredited) |
| Malibu Spring Break | 2003-01-01 | Hilary |
| Breast Men | 1997-12-13 | Implant Model |
| Bordello of Blood | 1996-08-16 | Werewolf (uncredited) |
| The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | 1990-09-10 | Woman #1 |
| Clueless | 1996-09-20 | Bowling Alley Waitress |
| Las Vegas | 2003-09-22 | Big Tina |
| Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! | 2007-02-11 | Lynn Cinco |
| Stalked: Someone’s Watching | 2011-01-24 | Self |
| The Human Factor | 1992-04-16 | ER Nurse |
| Melrose Place | 1992-07-08 | Training Camp Feminist |