Don Francks

Don Francks was born in Vancouver, BC. Don’s stage career began with the play The Willow Pattern Plate at age 11, which convinced him to pursue acting professionally. He appeared on and off Broadway helping him gain experience and exposure. At a young age he landed a job singing on the radio, and was affectionately referred to as “Don Francksinatra.” Don entered into television in 1954, acting in variety shows and dramas, and writing documentaries and public affairs specials in Toronto and Montreal. Don was a recipient of the ACTRA Award for Best DramaticPerformance in1980 and 1981 for his roles in Drying Up The Streets and The Phoenix Team. Additional credits include Top Cops, Mister Rogers, Road to Avonlea, Ice Princess, Wild Wild West, Man From U.N.C.L.E., Little Men, Traders and Mission Impossible, among others. His most recent TV run spanned several seasons on La Femme Nikita as the popular hip and humane section agent Walter. is film career was launched with his role in Finian’s Rainbow as Fred Astaire’s son-in-law, married to Petulah Clark. His voice has been heard in literally hundreds of commercials and animated series including Beetlejuice, Free Willy, Cadillacs & Dinosaurs and Inspector Gadget. He has appeared both on and off Broadway in such productions as The Flip Side, On A Clear Day, Kelly and Leonard Bernstein’s Theatre Songs. Don plays the trombone, drums and flute, and has made several jazz albums. . Don, who also goes by the name Iron Buffalo, lives in Toronto with his wife of over 30 years, Lili (Red Eagle).