Arlene Francis
With her sharp wit and trademark heart necklace, she became America's favorite television conversationalist, a trailblazing presence in the early days of broadcasting.
1907–2001 (age 94)·American actress and TV host·Birthday: October 20·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Arlene Francis brought a rare blend of intelligence, warmth, and Manhattan sophistication to the airwaves, first on radio and then as a foundational figure in television. Born Arlene Francis Kazanjian, she began in radio drama before becoming a household name as the sole female panelist on the long-running game show 'What's My Line?' For 25 years, her quick humor and genuine curiosity set the tone, making her a steady, beloved presence in American living rooms. Beyond the panel, she hosted her own radio talk show, 'The Arlene Francis Show,' a forum for thoughtful conversation with cultural and political figures. Francis navigated the male-dominated world of early TV not as a novelty, but as an essential and respected professional, proving that a woman could be both glamorous and substantive on camera.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Arlene was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Arlene Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Arlene's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
2001Died at 94
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
Key Achievements
- Served as a regular panelist on the iconic game show 'What's My Line?' for its entire 25-year network run (1950-1975).
- Hosted one of the first daytime television talk shows, 'The Arlene Francis Show,' in the 1950s.
- Maintained a successful, long-running radio talk show in New York for over two decades.
- Was one of the first women to host a national radio network show, 'Blind Date,' in the 1940s.
Did You Know?
She was famous for always wearing a heart-shaped necklace on 'What's My Line?'.
She turned down the role of Blanche DuBois in the original Broadway production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.
She was a licensed pilot.
She made her Broadway debut in 1936 in a play called 'Hooray for What!'
“I never wanted to be a star; I wanted to be a working actress.”
