Her unforgettable portrayal of Linda Loman in the 1999 Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, alongside Brian Dennehy, earned her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Critics praised her emotional depth, calling her performance one of the most moving interpretations of the character ever seen.
Even Arthur Miller himself applauded her work, saying she “discovered… the powerful protectiveness [in Linda] which comes out as fury,” something he felt had been “washed out” in previous performances.
Franz’s career spanned six decades across stage, film, and television:
On Broadway, she starred in classics like:
– Brighton Beach Memoirs
– Morning’s at Seven
– The Cherry Orchard
– The Miracle Worker
– Uncle Vanya
… and many more.
On screen, she appeared in major films such as:
– Jacknife (with Robert De Niro)
– Sabrina (with Harrison Ford)
– Christmas with the Kranks (with Jamie Lee Curtis)
And TV fans will remember her from:
– Gilmore Girls (as inn owner Mia)
– Grey’s Anatomy
– Law & Order
– Law & Order: SVU
– Homeland
– Judging Amy
– Cold Case
Even in small roles, she brought warmth, wisdom, and quiet emotional power.
