Background
Francis was born in Toronto and began his acting career on the radio in Canada.
Francis was born in Toronto and began his acting career on the radio in Canada.
He is the father of television soap opera actress Genie Francis. He served in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War and then moved to the United States, where he played the son, Joe, in the radio program Ma Perkins. Francis made several appearances on Broadway, in such plays as The Devil"s Advocate, Gideon and J.B.
He appeared as Carson Brookhaven in the syndicated comedy series Dusty"s Trail for one season, 1973-1974.
His film debut came in 1964 in The Devil Walks. Francis also appeared in such films as I Love My Wife, The World"s Greatest Athlete, Superdad, Pieces of Dreams, The Steagle, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Busting, Alien Zone (previously called House of the Dead) and The North Avenue Irregulars.
He died in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California.