Episode 163 - Up Close and Personal With Emmy Winner Gary Frank - Part 1
In Part One of this candid, funny, and deeply personal two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with Emmy Award–winning actor Gary Frank, best known as Willie Lawrence on the beloved ABC series “Family”.
Gary takes us back to his childhood in Southern California, growing up across from Walt Disney Studios, and the unexpected moment that sparked his love for performing. From discovering Method acting in high school to studying under Lee Strasberg at the legendary Actors Studio, his journey is filled with bold risks, perseverance, and perfect timing.
You’ll hear how a breakout opportunity with director Richard Donner led to his first major role in the short-lived series “Sons and Daughters”, how he navigated life as a young contract player at Universal, and the incredible twist of fate that landed him “Family”—the very same day he found himself out of work.
Gary also shares heartfelt and often hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about working with co-stars like Sada Thompson, James Broderick, Meredith Baxter, and Kristy McNichol. From the tight-knit bond the cast shared to the pressures of sudden fame, he paints a vivid picture of life both on and off set—including fan encounters that were sometimes flattering… and sometimes a little unsettling.
He also opens up about the groundbreaking storylines “Family” tackled—topics that pushed boundaries at the time and sparked powerful reactions from viewers across the country. Plus, Gary reflects on the realities of being a television star in an era when crossing over into film was anything but easy, and the actors who inspired him most. It’s nostalgic, revealing, and filled with unforgettable stories.
GARY FRANK
Frank’s screen career began in 1974 when he was cast by director Richard Donner in the television movie “Senior Year,” which evolved into the CBS series “Sons and Daughters,” where he starred opposite Glynnis O'Connor. He soon became a contract player at Universal Studios.
Just days after that series ended, Frank was cast by director Mark Rydell, alongside producers Mike Nichols, Leonard Goldberg, and Aaron Spelling, in the acclaimed ABC drama “Family.” His portrayal of Willie Lawrence earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1977. The series, which ran from 1976 to 1980, also starred James Broderick, Sada Thompson, Meredith Baxter, and Kristy McNichol.
Following the show’s successful five-season run, Frank built an extensive television and film career, appearing in numerous movies and guest-starring on many of the era’s most popular series. His credits include “The Streets of San Francisco,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Love Boat," “L.A. Law,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Friday the 13th: The Series,” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” He also appeared in the feature film “Deadly Weapon” and had a recurring role in “Remington Steele.”
He also starred in numerous television movies, including the acclaimed historical drama “Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission, the Atomic Bomb.” His film work includes the holiday movie “The Gift” opposite Glenn Ford, Dominick Dunne’s “People Like Us” with Eva Marie Saint, and the Eddie Murphy comedy “The Distinguished Gentleman.”
Beyond acting, Frank is an accomplished writer. His recent memoir, “Up For Down,” offers a deeply personal and heartfelt look at the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments of his life and career.
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Actor / Author
A longtime member of the famed Actors Studio, Gary Frank began studying in 1969 under the legendary Lee Strasberg, as well as renowned teachers Peggy Feury and Bill Traylor.
Frank’s screen career began in 1974 when he was cast by director Richard Donner in the television movie “Senior Year,” which evolved into the CBS series “Sons and Daughters,” where he starred opposite Glynnis O'Connor. He soon became a contract player at Universal Studios.
Just days after that series ended, Frank was cast by director Mark Rydell, alongside producers Mike Nichols, Leonard Goldberg, and Aaron Spelling, in the acclaimed ABC drama “Family.” His portrayal of Willie Lawrence earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1977. The series, which ran from 1976 to 1980, also starred James Broderick, Sada Thompson, Meredith Baxter, and Kristy McNichol.
Following the show’s successful five-season run, Frank built an extensive television and film career, appearing in numerous movies and guest-starring on many of the era’s most popular series. His credits include “The Streets of San Francisco,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Love Boat,” “Hunter,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “L.A. Law,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Friday the 13th: The Series,” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” He also appeared in the feature film “Deadly Weapon” and had a recurring role in “Remington Steele.”
He also starred in numerous television movies, including the acclaimed historical drama “Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission, the Atomic…Read More
