Arlene Francis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arlene Francis
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Francis in 1958
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| Born |
Arline Francis Kazanjian
October 20, 1907 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | May 31, 2001 (aged 93) |
| Resting place | Roosevelt Memorial Park, Trevose, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | Finch College |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1928–1991 |
| Spouse(s) |
Neil Agnew
(m. 1935; div. 1945)Martin Gabel
(m. 1946; died 1986) |
| Children | Peter Gabel |
Arlene Francis (born Arline Francis Kazanjian; October 20, 1907 – May 31, 2001) was a famous American actress and TV star. She was known for being a friendly host on radio and television shows. Many people remember her best as a regular panelist on the popular TV game show What's My Line? She appeared on the show for 25 years, from 1950 to 1975!
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Early Life
Arlene Francis was born on October 20, 1907, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her parents were Leah and Aram Kazanjian. Her father, Aram, came to the United States from Armenia. He had faced difficult times in his home country. He became a talented portrait photographer. He even painted beautiful nature scenes later in his life.
When Arlene was seven, her family moved to New York City. Her father believed there would be more opportunities there. Arlene lived in New York for most of her life.
Career Highlights
After going to Finch College, Arlene Francis started her career in New York City. She became a successful stage actress. She performed in many plays on Broadway, which is famous for its shows.
Early Acting and Radio
In 1932, Arlene made her first movie, Murders in the Rue Morgue. She acted in movies sometimes throughout her career.
Arlene also became a well-known voice on New York City radio. She hosted several shows. In 1938, she became the host of a radio game show called What's My Name? She was the main female host for this show until it ended in 1949.
In 1940, she played a character named Betty in Betty and Bob, which was an early radio soap opera. From 1943, she hosted another game show called Blind Date. She also hosted this show on TV from 1949 to 1952.
Television Star
Arlene Francis became very famous as a panelist on the weekly game show What's My Line? The show started in 1950. On this show, guests would come on, and the panelists had to guess their job or "line of work." It became a classic TV game show.
She also appeared on other popular game shows like Match Game, Password, and To Tell the Truth. In the 1950s, Arlene was one of the highest-paid game show panelists.
A Pioneer for Women on TV
Arlene Francis was a pioneer for women in television. She was one of the first women to host a TV show that wasn't about music or drama. From 1954 to 1957, she hosted Home, a daytime TV show for women on NBC. This show was created to go along with other popular NBC shows like Today and Tonight.
In 1962, Arlene was one of the people who guest-hosted Tonight before Johnny Carson became the permanent host. This made her the first woman to host a national late-night talk show in the U.S.
Later Career
Arlene continued acting in movies. She appeared in One, Two, Three (1961), The Thrill of It All (1963), and Fedora (1978).
She also wrote books! In 1978, she wrote her autobiography, Arlene Francis: A Memoir. She also wrote a book about charm called That Certain Something: The Magic of Charm (1960) and a cookbook called No Time for Cooking (1961).
Arlene made occasional TV appearances in the 1980s. Her last appearances were in 1991.
Personal Life
Arlene Francis was married twice. Her first marriage was to Neil Agnew from 1935 to 1945. She later married producer and actor Martin Gabel in 1946. Their marriage lasted until Martin's death in 1986. Martin Gabel often appeared as a guest panelist on What's My Line?.
Arlene and Martin had a son named Peter Gabel, who was born in 1947. Peter became a legal scholar. Once, when Peter was working as a tour guide, he even surprised his mom by appearing as a contestant on What's My Line?
Arlene was famous for wearing a special heart-shaped diamond necklace. It was a gift from her husband, Martin. She wore it on almost all her What's My Line? appearances.
Death
Arlene Francis passed away on May 31, 2001, in San Francisco, California, at the age of 93. She was buried in Roosevelt Memorial Park in Trevose, Pennsylvania.
Images for kids
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Francis in 1958
See also
In Spanish: Arlene Francis para niños
