Fran Bennett (1937 - 2021)

Born 14 Aug 1937 in Malvern, Hot Spring, Arkansas, USA

Died 11 Sep 2021 at age 84 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Biography

Fran Bennett is Notable.

Fran Bennett is a notable figure due to her multifaceted contributions to the worlds of theater, television, and education. Her extensive career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Bennett's talents as an actress, director, and voice teacher were complemented by her dedication to education, where she shared her expertise with aspiring artists at prestigious institutions. Her numerous honors and awards, including an NAACP Theatre Award and the distinction of having a day named in her honor, attest to her significant impact on the arts and her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. Fran Bennett's remarkable talent and commitment to her craft make her a notable and inspirational figure in the world of performing arts.^[1]

Early Life and Education

Fran Bennett was born on August 14, 1937, in the quiet town of Malvern, nestled in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. Despite her vibrant career, much of her early life and family history remained shrouded in mystery, a tale untold.

However, her journey into theater and entertainment began to take shape as she pursued her education. Bennett's thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she embarked on a remarkable academic journey. She earned both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Arts (MA) from this esteemed institution. Not content with just that, she set her sights on a PhD, initially venturing down that path, before eventually deciding to take a different route.

During her time at the University of Wisconsin, Bennett had the privilege of studying voice under the tutelage of Kristin Linklater, a renowned Scottish actress who had made her mark in the United States. Bennett was among the pioneers of Linklater's first-ever voice teacher training program. Her dedication and talent would later see her assume the role of voice and movement director at the prestigious Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she spent twelve years both directing and acting.

But Bennett's thirst for knowledge knew no bounds. With the sponsorship of the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, she traveled across the Atlantic to study the movement under the guidance of Litz Pisk. Pisk, who was at the helm of the movement at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England, from 1964 to 1970, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Bennett's artistic journey.

A Dazzling Career Unfolds

Fran Bennett's career spanned several dazzling decades, illuminating both stages and screens across the nation. She embarked on her acting journey in theater, eventually making her television debut in the long-running soap opera "Guiding Light" in 1965-1966, portraying the character Mrs. Matson. However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that her television career truly ignited, with appearances in iconic shows like "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Roots: The Next Generations."

The 1980s saw her gracing the small screen in various roles, with appearances in series such as "Lou Grant," "General Hospital," "Dallas," "Benson," "Cagney and Lacey," "Knots Landing," "L.A. Law," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." Her memorable portrayal of Fleet Admiral Shanthi in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "Redemption II" in 1991 earned her a special place in the hearts of sci-fi fans. Her later appearance as a Vulcan midwife in the 2009 Star Trek reboot, though cut from the theatrical release, was lovingly restored in the DVD special edition.

Throughout the 1990s, Bennett continued to make her mark on television, featuring prominent roles in "Quantum Leap," "In the Heat of the Night," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Crisis Center."

Bennett also graced the silver screen, with notable films like "New Nightmare" (1994), "Foxfire" (1996), and "8MM" (1999) under her belt, alongside several lesser-known cinematic gems.

As the 21st century dawned, Bennett's talent continued to shine in popular television series like "The Book of Daniel," "Boston Legal," "ER," "Community," and "Scandal."

A Theatrical Force

However, it was in theater where Fran Bennett's talent truly flourished. She served as the head of acting and director of performance at the CalArts School of Theater from 1996 to 2003, leaving an indelible legacy in education and the arts. Notably, she portrayed the titular role in "King Lear" during its 2002 premiere in Los Angeles and at the 2003 Frictions Festival in France, captivating audiences with her commanding presence.

In 2006, she graced the stage in a mesmerizing performance of Euripides's "Hippolytus" for the inauguration of the Greek-style theater at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles. Her association with the Antaeus Theatre Company and the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company further solidified her status as a theatrical force to reckon with.

An Educator and Honoree

Fran Bennett was not content with solely pursuing her craft; she was equally passionate about imparting her knowledge. While studying in London, she also took on the role of educator at the London Academy of Dramatic Art. Her expertise in voice led her to serve as a master voice teacher at Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts, and to conduct voice workshops at various esteemed universities, including Fisk University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Throughout her illustrious career, Bennett garnered numerous honors, including an NAACP Theatre Award, the first AEA/AFTRA/SAG Diversity Award, and the prestigious "Blazing the Trail" Award from Watts Village Theater Company in 2008. Her contributions to the world of arts and culture were commemorated with the declaration of "Fran Bennett Day" in her hometown of Malvern on August 7, 2005.

The Final Curtain

Unfortunately, on September 12, 2021, the world bid farewell to the remarkable Fran Bennett in Los Angeles, California. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and inspired throughout her extraordinary life. Her remains were cremated, leaving behind a legacy that will forever shine brightly in the annals of theater and entertainment. Fran Bennett's indomitable spirit and talent will continue to resonate with generations to come.

Research Notes

1. trees at other sites have her LNAB as Smith. When Fannie “Fran” Mae Smith was born on August 14, 1937, in Malvern, Arkansas, her mother, Virginia Smith, was 29. possibly a daughter of Virginia (Smith) Goodwin (1908-1974) She married David Bennett on 30 Sep 1961 and they divorced on 15 Jul 1975 in Dallas, Texas. They had at least one son born on 15 Jun 1964 and died 19 Apr 1965.
2. I researched the information in reacher notes #1, but I could not prove or disprove the connections. The timlines where she lived and her acting career does seem to match. Jimmy Honey

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Fran Bennett," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fran_Bennett&oldid=1170984854 (accessed September 8, 2023).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q5478104
• Staff of CALS, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated 30 Jun 2023. "Fran Bennett (1937–)." Accessed 8 Sep 2023.
• Barnes, Mike, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Sep 2021. "Fran Bennett, Actress and Longtime CalArts Voice and Acting Teacher, Dies at 84." Accessed 8 Sep 2023.
• CalArts, California Institue of the Arts, (n.d.). "In Memoriam: Fran Bennett." Accessed 8 Sep 2023.
• The La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 11 Oct 1974, Fri. - Page 16. "Guthrie actress, coach leads class." Accessed 8 Sep 2023.