Genie Francis
Laura Vining Webber Baldwin Spencer Collins is undoubtably one of the most beloved characters in daytime television history, solidifying her a spot in American pop culture.
Emmy® Award winner Genie Francis would make her daytime television debut on “General Hospital” as teenager Laura Vining at age 14; and today, her character, Laura, a towering pilar of strength and female empowerment, currently serves as the mayor of her beloved hometown of Port Charles. Soon after her character Laura was introduced, it catapulted Francis to unprecedented stardom. In February 2022, Francis celebrated a milestone, the 45th anniversary of her daytime television debut on “General Hospital.”
Francis also appeared on ABC’s “All My Children” as Ceara Connor, NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” as Diana Colville, and CBS’s “The Young and the Restless” as Genevieve Atkinson.
In addition to daytime, Francis’ long and illustrious career on screen includes significant roles including the television movie “Bare Essence” in 1982. The movie was later developed into a primetime series in which she recreated her starring role of Tyger Hayes. She also co-starred in the hit ABC miniseries “North and South” (Books I, II and III) as the good Southern sister, Brett Main. Her extensive television work also included recurring appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Hotel.” Her later television work includes appearances on “Roseanne,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Roswell,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and several films for television including “Terror in the Shadows” and “Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss.” She also starred in the films, “The Note,” “Taking a chance on Love,” and “Notes from the Heart Healer” all on the Hallmark Channel. Additionally, Francis appeared in the film “Thunderbirds” as newscaster Lisa Lowe, directed by her husband, actor/director Jonathan Frakes.
On stage, Francis has appeared in “Crimes of the Heart” and “See How They Run.” In 1991, she appeared in the Williamstown Festival Theater production of “Defying Gravity.” That same year, Francis made her New York City debut in “The Baby Dance” at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in Greenwich Village. She also appeared in a Comedic Curtain Raiser at Manhattan Class Company for their festival of One Acts called “The Group.”
In addition to acting, Francis has been a Nutrisystem brand ambassador, where she worked to inspire millions of people through a healthy lifestyle. Having a natural flare for design, Francis also owned a popular home furnishing shop in Maine. Francis has many hobbies including traveling, hiking, fishing, antiquing, knitting and baking.
Together for almost 35 years, Francis and her husband, Jonathan Frakes, who starred in the popular syndicated television series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” share their life with their two adult children Jameson and Eliza.
