- Dandy Nichols, Till Death Us Do Part, TV, 1965-1975. In the pilot (one of many aired under the Comedy Playhouse umbrella), the “silly moo” wife of the bigoted Alf was Franklin. She was replaced in the series by Nichols as the much put-upon Elsie (same rôle as Jean Stapleton in the watered-down US version, All in the Family, 1971-1979). Later – much later…at age 75 in 1985 – Franklin became a standout star of the BBC TV soap, EastEnders, as Ethel Skinner until she was 88, ie from the very first episode – to 188 more during 1985-2000.And then? “I didn’t miss the show, only the money!” Most of which she gave to animal charities.
Birth year: 1911Death year: 2005Other name: Casting Calls: 1