Franklin, Bonnie (1944—)

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Franklin, Bonnie (1944—)

An actress and dancer best known for her portrayal of Ann Romano—TV's first "Ms."—on Norman Lear's sitcom One Day at a Time, Bonnie Franklin was born January 6, 1944, in Santa Monica, California. She started tap dancing when she was nine years old, appearing with Donald O'Connor on the Colgate Comedy Hour, and began teaching at the age of twelve. Franklin appeared in the original Munsters and Man from U.N.C.L.E. but became a household name from 1975 to 1984 on Lear's sitcom. Franklin dabbled in directing (New Munsters), TV movies (Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger), and exercise videos (I Hate to Exercise—I Love to Tap). In the 1990s she could be found doing regional theater.

—Karen Lurie

Further Reading:

Franklin, Bonnie. "Bonnie Franklin." Ladies Home Journal. February, 1983, 90.

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Franklin, Bonnie (1944—)

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