American actress Elizabeth Franz († 84), best known for her portrayal of Linda Loman in the 1999 Broadway production of Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, died Nov. 4 at her home in Woodbury, Connecticut. The information was confirmed by her husband, screenwriter Christopher Pelham. According to his statement the actress succumbed to cancer and a severe reaction to the treatment, states .
Franz also reprized the role of Linda in the television adaptation for the Showtime station in 2000, for which she received an Emmy Award nomination. The actress has been nominated for a Tony Award a total of three times – first in 1983 for her role in Simon’s play Brighton Beach Memoirs, again in 1999 for Death of a Salesman and most recently in 2002 for a production of Morning’s at Seven. She last appeared on Broadway in 2010 in the play The Miracle Worker.
Franz also appeared in popular TV series such as Judge Amy, Grace Clinic, Roseanne or Homeland. Gilmore Girls fans may remember her as Mia Bass, the owner of the Independence Inn, who appeared in the second season of the series. However, in the seventh series, the character was recast. On the screen, she played, for example, in the films Sabrina, School Ties, A Fish in the Bathtub and Christmas With the Kranks.
