Frank Alesia: Movies & Box Office

Frank Alesia (January 4, 1944 – February 27, 2011) was an American actor and television director whose career spanned both sides of the camera during a pivotal era in Hollywood. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Alesia relocated to Los Angeles in 1964, where he quickly became one of the last character actors to work under the traditional studio system, which was already in decline at the time. He became closely associated with the popular beach party film genre of the 1960s, appearing in a string of lighthearted features directed by William Asher, including Pajama Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), and the more dramatic Riot on Sunset Strip (1967). His earliest on-screen appearance was as a surfer in Bikini Beach, which starred Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, two of the era's most iconic performers. Alongside his film work, Alesia built a substantial television résumé, with guest appearances on popular series such as The Flying Nun, The Odd Couple, Gomer Pyle, That Girl, and Room 222. In 1970, he took on a more serious role in Stanley Kramer's R. P. M., a provocative film tackling student outrage over the Vietnam War, appearing alongside Henry Brown, Jose Brad, and Teda Bracci. Transitioning into directing, Alesia earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1979 for his work on Captain Kangaroo, one of the longest-running children's programs in television history. Beginning in 1980, he joined the production team of the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, serving as a director for three episodes, writing one episode, and acting as executive consultant on eight episodes. After his prolific run in television, Alesia eventually stepped away from the entertainment industry entirely to pursue his passion for racing and breeding thoroughbred horses. He also ventured into comedy recording, releasing the album Forgive Me Father, I Have Sinned with Timothy Blake on Laff Records. Alesia died of natural causes at his home in Carlsbad, California, on February 27, 2011, at the age of 67. He was survived by his wife, Sharon Mae (Lubin)—the former spouse of musician Herb Alpert—with whom he had been married since 1983.