Former daytime star Francine York (ex-Lorraine Farr Temple, Days of our Lives; ex-Thelma, General Hospital) died on January 6 after a battle with cancer. The actress was 80.
The Minnesota native had quite a lengthy résumé before taking on the role of DAYS' Lorraine in 1978. She turned heads as the Bookworm's moll on the TV series Batman and showed off her striking sexuality in films like It's Only Money, The Doll Squad, and Cannon for Cordoba -- the latter of which included a nude scene and a belly dance from the actress. York's other notable film appearances include Bedtime Story opposite Marlon Brando and David Niven, Elvis Presley's Tickle Me, and Marilyn: Alive and Behind Bars, in which she delivered a well-received performance as Marilyn Monroe. Some of her most recent work includes The Mindy Project in 2015 and Star Trek: Progeny in 2016.
Though her DAYS role wasn't as provocative as some of her early Hollywood work, York's character raised some eyebrows as an ex-prostitute and blackmailer. Fans of the NBC soap might also remember Lorraine as the mother of Tracey E. Bregman's troublemaking character, Donna.
Prior to becoming an actress, the then 17-year-old York was the runner-up in the Miss Minnesota beauty pageant and later went on to place second in the Miss San Francisco contest. She was working as a showgirl at the Moulin Rouge nightclub on Sunset Boulevard when she decided to pursue acting. In addition to her long showbiz career, York was a gourmet cook and was known for hosting lavish Los Angeles parties. She was reportedly finishing an autobiography at the time of her death.
Though she was never married, York dated director Vincent Sherman for ten years, until his death in 2006. She is survived by her nieces Delinda, Gina, and Ava; her nephew, Dominic; grandnieces Ashley, Candice, Holly, Daliss, and Isabella Negrete; and grandnephew Franklin.
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