Biography

May 27, 1932 · Queens, New York City, New York, USA

August 24, 2012 · Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California, USA (cancer)

Stephen Robert Franken

1.68 m

Diminutive, baby-faced American character actor of the 1960s and 70s, the son of a press agent, director of publicity for Television Programs of America. He often played spoiled, uppity, well-to-do juveniles and playboys, sometimes junior officers and even appeared in the occasional comic villainous role. He was memorable as a drunken waiter in the Peter Sellers comedy, La Party (1968).

Second cousin of Al Franken. Steve Franken's father (Merritt Sanford Franken) and Al Franken's father (Joseph Franken) were first cousins.

Steve's father, Merritt Sanford Franken, was a newspaper reporter in New York and later a Hollywood press agent. He was director of publicity for Television Programs of America. He did not approve of Steve's choice to become an actor and did not assist with his career.

Two daughters with Julia Carter: Emily Franken and Abgail Glass. One daughter, Anne Franken with wife, Jean Garrett. Two grandchildren.

Body Cremated and Ashes given to his wife Jean Franken.