Biography
Anthony Franciosa burst onto the scene (after several years' servitude in bit parts) in the 1955 drug-addiction play
A Hatful of Rain. He was brought to Hollywood to recreate his stage role in
Rain-- winning an Oscar nomination for his part--but his first film appearance was as a taciturn nightclub owner in the MGM comedy
This Could Be the Night. From 1957 through 1963, Franciosa essayed a number of hot-headed screen characterizations, including the role of tempestuous artist Francisco Goya in
The Naked Maja (1960). Sensing he needed an image change in 1963, Franciosa changed his screen billing to the lighter "Tony Franciosa" and signed on as star of the frothy TV sitcom
Valentine's Day (1964). Franciosa has since successfully juggled a film career with such weekly video series as
The Name of the Game (1969-71),
Search (1972),
Matt Helm (1975), and Finder of Lost Loves (1984). From 1957-60 Tony Franciosa was married to actress
Shelley Winters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide