Bonnie Franklin

Bonnie Franklin was an American actress, singer, and dancer who was born on January 6, 1944, in Santa Monica, California. She began her career at a young age, appearing in various TV shows and commercials. Her big break came in 1975 when she was cast as Ann Romano in the CBS sitcom "One Day at a Time".

Franklin's performance as Ann Romano, a divorced mother of two, was groundbreaking at the time. The show tackled issues such as feminism, single parenthood, and teenage pregnancy, which were rarely discussed on television. Franklin's portrayal of Ann Romano earned her two Golden Globe nominations and one Primetime Emmy nomination.

Before her success on "One Day at a Time", Franklin had already established herself as a Broadway actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1967 in the musical "Applause", which was based on the film "All About Eve". Franklin played the role of Bonnie, a young actress who becomes a star overnight. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Franklin continued to appear in Broadway productions throughout the 1970s. She starred in the musicals "Mack & Mabel" and "A Thousand Clowns", both of which earned her critical acclaim. She also appeared in the play "Dames at Sea", which was a spoof of 1930s Hollywood musicals.

In addition to her work on Broadway and television, Franklin also had a successful career in film. She appeared in several movies throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "The Legend of Lizzie Borden" and "The Wrong Man". She also starred in the TV movie "Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger", which was based on the life of birth control activist Margaret Sanger.

Franklin's success on "One Day at a Time" led to other television roles. She appeared in guest spots on shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Touched by an Angel". She also had a recurring role on the CBS drama "The Young and the Restless".

In addition to her acting career, Franklin was also an accomplished singer and dancer. She released an album in 1976 called "Bonnie Franklin: Lady Sings the Blues". She also appeared in several musicals throughout her career, including a production of "The King and I" in 1985.

Franklin continued to work in television and theater throughout the 1990s and 2000s. She appeared in the TV movie "The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas" and had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch". She also continued to perform on stage, appearing in productions of "Steel Magnolias" and "The Lion in Winter".

Bonnie Franklin passed away on March 1, 2013, at the age of 69. She will always be remembered for her groundbreaking role on "One Day at a Time" and her contributions to the world of theater and television.