According to the New York Times, actress Bonnie Franklin died today. The sixty-nine year old lost her life due to complications of pancreatic cancer, family members said. They had announced the diagnosis in September.
Franklin starred in the sitcom “One Day at a Time” back in the 1970s through the mid-80s. She played the feisty single-mom of two daughters played by Valerie Bertinelli and MacKenzie Phillips. The ground-breaking show allowed families to get a glimpse of the trials and tribulations of raising children without the other parent.
Franklin commented that they “pretty quickly got the idea” that they were touching something as letters started pouring in early on. The letters said, “This is my life. This is what I’m going through.”
Her character, Ann Romano was apparently loosely based on the life of show co-creator/actress Whitney Blake who is also known as the mother of actress Meredith Baxter.
Utilizing comedy, the show brought real-life issues to the screen like a single mom fighting for child support or a daughter struggling with giving up her virginity.
The talented actress was nominated for an Emmy, a Tony and also a Golden Globe.
Valerie Bertinelli wrote an emotional tribute to Franklin on her website according to Us Weekly. "My heart is breaking," Bertinelli, 52, wrote. She and Franklin reunited onscreen back in 2011 when Franklin guest-starred on "Hot in Cleveland."
"Bonnie has always been one of the most important women in my life and was a second mother to me," continued Bertinelli, who became a teen star on the CBS sitcom.
Franklin certainly made her mark on the entertainment industry and fans mourn her passing today.
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