Late last night I became aware of the passing of actress Francine York. A close friend and producer confirmed the news that she passed on Friday, January 6th 2017 in California due complications stemming from cancer. She was 80-years-old. With over 50 years in the entertainment industry, Francine was a cult movie and television stable, amassing over 130 credits to her resume. Though she is known for her credits in other genres, this beautiful and talented woman had a tremendous background in science-fiction and paved the way for a lot of aspiring b-movie talent.
In the 60’s and 70’s, Francine held lead roles in science-fiction movies like Space Probe Taurus (1965), Curse of the Swamp Creature (1966), City Beneath the Sea (1969) and Time Travelers (1976). She held smaller roles in The Nutty Professor (1963), Mutiny in Outer Space (1965) and They Only Come Out at Night (1975). She even made her return to the genre in 2010 with the lead role in Astro Zombies: M3 – Cloned.
Of her numerous television guest spots, a number of them in the 60’s and 70’s were also science-fiction related. They include “Batman,” “Bewitched,” “Future Cop,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Land of the Giants” and “Lost in Space.” She returned to the genre in this format as well in the 2010’s with a small appearance in the web-series “Star Trek: Progeny.” In 2015 and 2016 she made guest spots on hit shows like “Hot in Cleveland” and “The Mindy Project” and that’s the best way one can go out – on top!
All of us here at HorrorSociety.com send our condolences to her family, friends and fans.
R.I.P. Francine York
August 26, 1938 – January 6, 2017
