Franz passed away on Nov. 4 at her home in Woodbury, Connecticut, her husband Christopher Pelham confirmed to The New York Times. He said her death was caused by cancer and a severe reaction to treatment medication.
A highly respected stage performer, Franz appeared in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including “Buried Child,” “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You,” “Lost in Yonkers,” and “A View from the Bridge.” Her most celebrated role came in 1999 as Linda Loman in the 50th anniversary revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, earning her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress.
Miller praised her interpretation of the character, saying she captured the role’s deep emotional strength in a way previous performances had not. Franz later reprised the role in Showtime’s 2000 TV adaptation, earning an Emmy nomination.
She also received Tony nominations for “Brighton Beach Memoirs” (1983) and “Morning’s at Seven” (2002).
On television, Franz appeared in shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Judging Amy,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order,” and “Homeland.” She briefly portrayed Mia Bass, owner of the Independence Inn, in a Season 2 episode of Gilmore Girls, a role later recast.
Her film credits included School Ties, Sabrina, Twisted, A Fish in the Bathtub, and Christmas with the Kranks.
Franz was previously married to actor Edward Binns until his death in 1990. She is survived by Pelham and her brother, Joe.
