Frank Alesia

Frank Alesia (January 4, 1944 – February 27, 2011) was an American actor and television director. He was best known for his work in the beach party film genre during the 1960s, including such films as Pajama Party (1964) and Riot on Sunset Strip (1967).[1] He later directed episodes of Captain Kangaroo and other television series.[1]

Frank Alesia
Born
Frank Alesia

(1944-01-04)January 4, 1944
DiedFebruary 27, 2011(2011-02-27) (aged 67)

Background and career

Alesia was born in Chicago, Illinois,[2] and moved to Los Angeles in 1964.[1] According to The Hollywood Reporter, Alesia became one of the last character actors in the film industry to work under the studio system, which was declining at the time.[1] He appeared in several beach party films of the 1960s, including Pajama Party, Bikini Beach, which starred Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, Riot on Sunset Strip and Beach Blanket Bingo.[1] His television credits as an actor also included appearances in The Flying Nun, The Odd Couple, Gomer Pyle, That Girl, Room 222 and Laverne & Shirley.[1]

1960s

His earliest role was as a surfer in William Asher's Bikini Beach that was released in 1964.[3] Keeping with the beach theme, he also appeared in Pajama Party in 1964 and Beach Blanket Bingo in 1965.[4]

1970s to 1980s

In 1970, Alesia appeared in Stanley Kramer's R. P. M.. A provocative film for its time, one that portrays student outrage at the issues surrounding the Vietnam war. Along with Henry Brown, Jose Brad and Teda Bracci, he was one of the students.[5][6]

Alesia later directed episodes of Captain Kangaroo, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1979.[1] He also joined the crew of Laverne & Shirley beginning in 1980 as both a screenwriter and television director.[2] He directed three episodes of Laverne & Shirley, wrote one episode, and served as an executive consultant for eight episodes of the show.[2]

He later left the entertainment industry and raced and bred thoroughbred horses.[1]

Audio recordings

Death

Frank Alesia died of natural causes at his home in Carlsbad, California, on February 27, 2011, aged 67.[1][2] He was survived by his wife, Sharon Mae (Lubin), the former spouse of musician Herb Alpert, whom he had wedded in 1983.[1]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1964Bikini BeachSurfer
1964Pajama PartyPajama Boy
1964The Disorderly OrderlyInterneUncredited
1965Beach Blanket BingoBeach Boy
1966The Ghost in the Invisible BikiniFrank
1967C'mon, Let's Live a LittleBalta
1967Riot on Sunset StripJoel
1968MaryjaneFrenchy
1970R. P. M.Student #9

References
  1. Barnes, Mike (2011-03-04). "Character actor, director Frank Alesia dies". The Hollywood Reporter. Reuters Canada. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
  2. "Frank Alesia, character actor, dies". Variety. 2011-03-05. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
  3. Hollywood Surf and Beach Movies: The First Wave, 1959–1969, By Thomas Lisanti - Page 86 *6*, Bikini Beach (1964)
  4. Khaleej Times, March 5, 2011 - Character actor, director Frank Alesia dies
  5. The Vietnam War on Campus: Other Voices, More Distant Drums, edited by Marc Jason Gilbert - Page 81 Student-Revolt Movies of the Vietnam Era
  6. КиноПоиск - Создатели /Революция в минуту
  7. Vs-uc.com - Frank Alesia & Timothy Blake - Forgive Me Father, I Have Sinned 1973
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