Who were Elizabeth Franz' husbands? Personal life explored as Tony-winning actress dies at 84

Elizabeth Franz passes away at 84 (Image via Getty)
Elizabeth Franz passes away at 84 (Image via Getty)

Elizabeth Franz was married twice during her lifetime. She married American actor Edward Binns in 1983, when she was 42 years old. Franz and Binns remained married till his passing in 1990. It was unclear when Elizabeth got married again, but she tied the knot with her screenwriter husband, Christopher Pelham. Franz and Pelham remained married till she passed away.

In fact, it was Christopher Pelham who announced the news of her passing in The New York Times. He also shared the reason for her demise, which was a severe reaction to the drugs that were used to treat her cancer. Elizabeth died at the age of 84 in her home in Woodbury, Connecticut.

The Death of a Salesman actress kept her personal life away from the spotlight, and not much is known about her relationship with her husbands. Elizabeth Franz is survived by her husband and brother, Joe Frankovitch.


Who was Elizabeth Franz's first husband?

Elizabeth Franz's first marriage was to American actor Edward Binns. While it remains unclear how they met, the pair got married in 1983. Binns was a renowned actor during his time and was often seen portraying notable characters both in film and television.

However, before Binns appeared on the silver screen, he served in the Army Air Forces in 1942. Some of his popular works include The Verdict, Patton, North by Northwest, 12 Angry Men, Fail Safe, Judgment at Nuremberg, and more.

As for his personal life, Edward Binns was married once before her met the Grey's Anatomy actress. He was married to a journalist named Marcia Legere in 1953, years before he married Franz. The pair shared a daughter and announced their divorce in 1984, after spending 27 years together.

Binns passed away at the age of 74 due to a heart attack. He suffered a heart attack while he was on his way home from New York City to Connecticut. Edward Binns was not buried, but cremated. His ashes were scattered at his residence. At the time of his passing, he was married to Elizabeth Franz.


Elizabeth Franz lived a private but meaningful life, sharing lasting marriages with Edward Binns and, later, Christopher Pelham. Her passing at 84 was announced by Pelham, who revealed she died from a severe reaction to cancer medication. She is survived by her husband and brother.

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Edited by Benidamika Jones Latam