Actress Anne Francis Dies at 80

Actress Anne Francis passed away yesterday, January 2 in California due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 80 years old.  Francis is survived by daughters, Jane and Maggie.

Francis made her Broadway debut at the age of eleven in White Horse Inn, and later appeared in Everywhere I Roam, and Lady in the Dark.

Francis was best known for her role in the science fiction film classic Forbidden Planet (1956), and as the female private detective in the television series Honey West (1965-66). She won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Emmy award for her role in Honey West. Francis holds the distinction of starring in the first TV series with a female detective character's name in the title.

Over her career, Francis appeared in scores of TV shows and movies. She made her film debut in This Time for Keeps (1947). In her early film career, she played supporting roles in films such as Susan Slept Here, So Young So Bad, and Bad Day at Black Rock. Her first leading role was in Blackboard Jungle (1955). She is perhaps best-known on film for her role as Altaira in the Science-Fiction movie Forbidden Planet.

Francis found success in television, with several appearances on The Twilight Zone, including the title character in "Jess-Belle" and as Marsha White in "The After Hours." She was a frequent guest star in 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s TV movies and programs. She appeared in two episodes of the popular TV western The Virginian.