Actor. Born Anthony Papaleo in New York City’s Little Italy district, he was only about one year old when his father abandoned the family. After leaving high school, he worked as a welder and a ship steward among other things before he attended an audition for actors at the YMCA and won a role in a production of ‘The Seagull.’ He made his Broadway debut in ‘End as a Man’ in 1953. He then adopted his mother’s maiden name as a stage name. His role in ‘A Hatful of Rain’ in 1955 won him recognition  and a Tony Award nomination as well as a chance to repeat the role on film. The film version earned him an Academy Award nomination in 1957.  Three more films followed in quick succession; ‘This Could Be the Night,’ ‘A Face in the Crowd’ and ‘Wild Is the Wind’ that year. He gained a reputation as a moody and argumentative actor. As his star began to fade, he took television roles, his first TV series was ‘Valentine’s Day’ in 1964. It was followed by ‘The Name of the Game’ in 1968. After his series, ‘Matt Helm’ was canceled after less than one season; he took most of his work in Europe. His later films roles included ‘Across 110th Street’ in1972, ‘Firepower’ in 1979, and ‘Death Wish II’ in 1981. He was married four time including marriages to actress Shelley Winters, writer Beatrice Bakalyar, and model Rita Thiel with whom he had two sons. His last film was 1996’s ‘City Hall.’ Franciosa died at UCLA Medical Center after suffering a massive stroke. His wife of 35 years, Rita, was present. (bio by: Iola)  Family links:  Spouse:  Shelley Winters (1920 – 2006)