1. Overview
Anne Hollingshead Francine (1917-1999) was a distinguished American actress and cabaret singer whose career spanned several decades, from the 1930s until her death in 1999. Known for her powerful vocal performances in renowned cabaret venues in the United States and abroad, she also made significant contributions to Broadway musicals, appearing alongside notable performers, and featured in various film and television productions. Even after suffering a stroke in 1992 that affected her speech, Francine remained active in the arts, dedicated to teaching aspiring cabaret singers.
2. Early Life
Anne Francine was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, into a prominent Philadelphia family.
2.1. Childhood and Upbringing
Born on August 8, 1917, Anne Francine was the daughter of Philadelphia socialites Albert and Emilie Francine. She spent her formative years being raised in the affluent Main Line region, a suburban area of Philadelphia. Her early entry into the entertainment world began when she won an amateur singing contest, an achievement that paved the way for her career as a cabaret singer.
3. Career
Anne Francine's career in entertainment was diverse, encompassing extensive work in cabaret, significant roles on Broadway, and appearances in film and television, extending her influence even into teaching later in life.
3.1. Cabaret and Music
Francine embarked on her professional singing career in the 1930s, making a name for herself as a cabaret singer. Her early performances graced the stage of the Coq Rouge, a notable venue of the era. As her reputation grew, she secured engagements at other prestigious establishments, including the Copacabana and the Algonquin. Her talents also led her to international stages in the 1940s, where she performed in London and Paris. Throughout her cabaret career, she became particularly associated with her renditions of the songs "The Lamp is Low" and "Raggedy Ann," which became her signature pieces.
3.2. Broadway
Anne Francine made her debut on Broadway in 1954, appearing alongside Shirley Booth in the musical production By the Beautiful Sea. A significant role in her Broadway career came in 1966 when she stepped into the role of Vera Charles in the acclaimed production of Mame, starring Angela Lansbury. Francine's portrayal of Vera Charles was well-received, leading her and Lansbury to reprise their roles in a 1983 revival of the musical. Her final appearance on Broadway was in 1987, when she played Mrs. Harcourt in the Lincoln Center revival of Anything Goes, starring Patti LuPone.
3.3. Film and Television
Francine's acting career extended to both television and film. On American television, she took on the role of the villainous Flora Simpson Reilly in the series Harper Valley PTA. In 1979, she notably starred as the Evil Queen in the musical adaptation of the 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Her film credits include appearances in acclaimed international and American productions such as Federico Fellini's Juliet of the Spirits (1965), Stand Up and Be Counted (1972), Savages (1972), and the widely popular Crocodile Dundee (1986).
3.4. Later Life and Teaching
Even in her later years, Anne Francine maintained her commitment to the arts. After suffering a stroke in 1992, which tragically caused her to lose the ability to speak, she continued to contribute to the performing arts community. She dedicated her time to teaching aspiring cabaret singers at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, Connecticut, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience despite her own challenges.
4. Death
Anne Francine died on December 3, 1999, at the age of 82. She passed away in a hospital in Connecticut (specifically New London, Connecticut), following a stroke. Her interment took place in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, where she was laid to rest in the Michael Ehret mausoleum, located on the area historically known as "Millionaire's Row" within the cemetery.
5. Works
Anne Francine's extensive career included roles across film, television, and stage productions.
5.1. Film and Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Juliet of the Spirits | Psychodramatist | Film |
| 1972 | Stand Up and Be Counted | Mabel Hammond | Film |
| 1972 | Mission Impossible | Maude Brophy | TV Episode: "Committed" |
| 1972 | Savages | Carlotta, a Hostess | Film |
| 1979 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | The Evil Queen | Musical adaptation of the film |
| 1986 | Crocodile Dundee | Fran | Film |
| Unknown | Harper Valley PTA | Flora Simpson Reilly | Television series |
5.2. Stage
- 1954: By the Beautiful Sea (Broadway debut with Shirley Booth)
- 1966: Mame (as Vera Charles, stepping in for Bea Arthur with Angela Lansbury; reprised role in 1983 revival)
- 1987: Anything Goes (as Mrs. Harcourt, in the Lincoln Center revival starring Patti LuPone)