Joe Franklin was an American actor best known for his work in Ghostbusters, Broadway Danny Rose, and The Boys Behind the Desk. He was born Joseph Fortgang on March 9, 1926, in the Bronx, New York City, and passed away on January 24, 2015, in Manhattan, New York City.
Personal and Family Life
Joe Franklin married Lois Meridan on December 13, 1952, and they had one child together named Bradley. He was affectionately known as the “King of Nostalgia” due to his long-running television talk show, The Joe Franklin Show, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its impressive 50-year run. Franklin hosted a Sunday night movie show called “When Movies Were Movies” during the 1980s, showcasing classic films.
Career
Throughout his career, Franklin was known not only for his talk show but also for his appearances in various films and television shows. He had memorable roles and guest spots in productions including Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Simpsons. He was also involved in legal disputes, such as suing “Uncle Floyd” Vivino for defamation, though the case was settled out of court.
Death and Legacy
Joe Franklin passed away on January 24, 2015, due to prostate cancer. His legacy as a television pioneer and nostalgic host lives on through the many guests he interviewed and the influence he had on talk shows. He is remembered for his unique contributions to entertainment and his extensive filmography.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostbusters | 1984-06-08 | Joe Franklin |
| Space Spawns | 2002-05-07 | Joe |
| Broadway Danny Rose | 1984-01-27 | Joe Franklin |
| Ghoul School | 1990-01-01 | Himself |
| The Aristocrats | 2005-07-29 | Self |
| Space Ghost Coast to Coast | 1994-04-15 | Self |
| The Comeback Trail | 1982-03-01 | Joe Franklin |
| Zombie City | 2017-09-01 | |
| Terror Firmer | 1999-10-29 | Self |
| Black Ribbon | 2007-09-28 | Ted Richardson |