Ivor Francis

Born in the early years of the 20th century, Canadian actor Ivor Francis found success on the stage and radio long before he appeared on television or film. He made his way stateside after serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, and lent his voice to the long-running radio drama "Ma Perkins" as Joe, her son. He appeared in several shows on Broadway, but had his sights set on California. Francis took nearly 100 roles in his 23 years as a professional actor, embodying a cornucopia of unique characters. In 1973, he starred opposite a post-"Gilligan's Island" Bob Denver in the where's-the-wagon-train comedy, "Dusty's Trail," and nabbed a recurring role as Mr. Kenneth Dragen in the innovative high school drama "Room 222." He also appeared multiple times on the NYPD sitcom "Barney Miller" and the medical serial, "Quincy M.E.." In film, Francis played a priest in the acclaimed 1970 romance "Pieces of Dreams" and psychiatrist to Jack Lemmon in the dark comedy "The Prisoner of Second Avenue." Francis shared his technique with other would-be performers as instructor of the Ivor Francis Actors Workshop in Hollywood. He also raised an actress himself; his daughter Genie Francis portrayed iconic soap opera heroine Laura Spencer for several years on "General Hospital."