Franklyn Seales was a talented and versatile actor who appeared in films, television, and stage. He was best known for his role as Dexter Stuffins, the finicky business manager on the sitcom Silver Spoons. He also played a real-life cop killer in the film The Onion Field. However, his promising career was cut short by a tragic disease that claimed his life at the age of 37. This article will explore the life and death of Franklyn Seales, and how he left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Franklyn Seales was born on July 15, 1952, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, a small island in the Caribbean. He was the fifth of eight children of Francis and Olive Seales, who were of mixed ancestry, including English, Scottish, African, Portuguese, and Native Caribbean. His father was a merchant seaman and a government employee, and his mother was a homemaker.
Seales showed an interest in art from an early age, and planned to pursue a career as a painter. He moved with his family to New York City in 1960, and attended Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. However, his life took a different turn when he accompanied a friend to an audition at the Juilliard School in the early 1970s. As he helped his friend rehearse the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, he caught the attention of John Houseman, the director and founder of the school’s drama division. Houseman offered Seales a full four-year scholarship to study acting at Juilliard, which Seales accepted. He became the first and only known graduate of Juilliard to hail from St. Vincent.
Career Highlights
Seales made his breakthrough in 1978 with the PBS drama Trial of the Moke, in which he portrayed Lt. Henry O. Flipper, the first African-American graduate of West Point. He received critical acclaim for his performance, and went on to appear in other television shows, such as Hill Street Blues and Amen.
Seales also made his mark on the big screen, most notably in The Onion Field (1979), based on the true story of two criminals who kidnapped and murdered a police officer in Los Angeles. Seales played Jimmy Lee (Youngblood) Smith, a weak and gullible ex-con who was manipulated by his partner Gregory Powell (James Woods) into committing the crime. Seales delivered a chilling and convincing portrayal of Smith, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
Seales also appeared in other films, such as Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Southern Comfort (1981), and The Man Who Wasn’t There (1983). However, his most memorable role was on the sitcom Silver Spoons (1982-1987), where he played Dexter Stuffins, the uptight and loyal business manager of Edward Stratton III (Joel Higgins), a wealthy toy manufacturer who reconnects with his long-lost son Ricky (Ricky Schroder). Seales brought humor and charm to his character, who often clashed with Edward’s childish antics and Ricky’s schemes. He also shared scenes with John Houseman, who played Edward’s father and Dexter’s former employer.
Seales was not only a talented actor, but also a versatile one. He could play comedy and drama with equal skill, and he could portray characters from different backgrounds and ethnicities. He also had a passion for theater, and performed in various plays in Los Angeles, ranging from classics to experimental works. He was praised by critics as “one of America’s most compelling stage actors”.
Death and Legacy
Unfortunately, Seales’ career and life were cut short by AIDS, a disease that was still largely misunderstood and stigmatized at the time. Seales contracted HIV through sexual contact, but kept his diagnosis private until shortly before his death. He died on May 14, 1990, at his family’s home in Brooklyn, New York. He was 37 years old.
Seales’ death was mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He was remembered as a talented and versatile actor who had a bright future ahead of him. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances that showcased his range and depth as an artist.
According to IMDb, Seales’ last appearance was in Nothing Sacred (1988), a comedic adaptation of Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. He played Uncle Havel, an aristocratic fop and former military man. For his characterization, he drew inspiration from his memories of the English colonels and majors of his native St. Vincent.
Franklyn Seales was a remarkable actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His life and death serve as a reminder of the human cost of AIDS, and the need for awareness and compassion. He also serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors who want to pursue their dreams and express their creativity.
