How did Bonnie Franklin get the part of Ann Romano? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

seventies_sitcoms · 08-29-2005, 10:02 PM

I always wondered how Bonnie Franklin got the part of Ann Romano. The script called for an Italian-American divorced woman. Did she audition for the role, or did somebody recommend her? They should've changed the role to an Irish-American divorced woman since she was the one they chose for the part. I think it would've made better sense to have given her a different background instead of Italian-American. I never understood that. I think maybe that is one of the big reasons why a lot of viewers disliked Bonnie Franklin so much. She was nothing at all like somebody coming from an Italian background.

jamesanthony · 08-31-2005, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventies_sitcoms

I always wondered how Bonnie Franklin got the part of Ann Romano. The script called for an Italian-American divorced woman. Did she audition for the role, or did somebody recommend her? They should've changed the role to an Irish-American divorced woman since she was the one they chose for the part. I think it would've made better sense to have given her a different background instead of Italian-American. I never understood that. I think maybe that is one of the big reasons why a lot of viewers disliked Bonnie Franklin so much. She was nothing at all like somebody coming from an Italian background.

I've been saying this for years. Bonnie Franklin could certainly pass for being Irish American, but I never bought her as being of Italian heritage. Nanette Fabray didn't look Italian either, then again I guess her character didn't have to be, she could have just married an Italian American. You're right, this may be a factor in why she evokes such a strongly negative response in so many viewers. Joe Campanella who played the ex-husband could've been Italian, but Bonnie Franklin- no way.

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 01:04 PM

I have a best friend who's mother is 200% Italian (she is soooo Italian from her talk, accent and cooking!!!!!) and her late father was white bread American. Looking at her you wouldn't know she was Italian. She could pass for different things, but not Italian. So looking at Bonnie, it's obvious by her looks, but it doesn't mean she couldn't have an Italian heritage.

Ireneparalegal · 08-31-2005, 01:06 PM

BTW, i seem to recall an episode where Bonnie had a bad case of acne going on. I believe it was Either season one or two. I have told some people this but they think I am crazy. For the life of me, I seem to recall this. And no, it wasn't Mackenzie that I am thinking of, even though she had bad skin. Can anyone tell me if this is true?

mstewart · 08-31-2005, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesanthony

I've been saying this for years. Bonnie Franklin could certainly pass for being Irish American, but I never bought her as being of Italian heritage. Nanette Fabray didn't look Italian either, then again I guess her character didn't have to be, she could have just married an Italian American. You're right, this may be a factor in why she evokes such a strongly negative response in so many viewers. Joe Campanella who played the ex-husband could've been Italian, but Bonnie Franklin- no way.

If you watch an episode #25 in season we get to see Ann's father and he was Italian.

I believe, from what was said on Bonnie Franklin's lifetime intimate portrait, she got the part of Ann Romano when Norman Lear saw her when she was doing the musical Applause. She moved out to Hollywood and was interested in doing television. She went into Norman Lear's office and the rest, as we say, is history.

Brian Damage · 08-31-2005, 07:45 PM

I think Fabray did a good job as an Italian.

08-29-2005, 10:02 PM	#1
seventies_sitcoms * Senior Member Join Date: Jan 09, 2005 Posts: 2,244	How did Bonnie Franklin get the part of Ann Romano? I always wondered how Bonnie Franklin got the part of Ann Romano. The script called for an Italian-American divorced woman. Did she audition for the role, or did somebody recommend her? They should've changed the role to an Irish-American divorced woman since she was the one they chose for the part. I think it would've made better sense to have given her a different background instead of Italian-American. I never understood that. I think maybe that is one of the big reasons why a lot of viewers disliked Bonnie Franklin so much. She was nothing at all like somebody coming from an Italian background.

08-31-2005, 01:04 PM	#3
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I have a best friend who's mother is 200% Italian (she is soooo Italian from her talk, accent and cooking!!!!!) and her late father was white bread American. Looking at her you wouldn't know she was Italian. She could pass for different things, but not Italian. So looking at Bonnie, it's obvious by her looks, but it doesn't mean she couldn't have an Italian heritage.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

08-31-2005, 07:45 PM	#6
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I think Fabray did a good job as an Italian.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-31-2005, 01:06 PM	#4
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	BTW, i seem to recall an episode where Bonnie had a bad case of acne going on. I believe it was Either season one or two. I have told some people this but they think I am crazy. For the life of me, I seem to recall this. And no, it wasn't Mackenzie that I am thinking of, even though she had bad skin. Can anyone tell me if this is true?