Franz Russell Obituary
RUSSELL Franz Actor, film narrator, internationally acclaimed commercial voice talent, beloved husband and father. On Sunday June 8, Franz Russell passed away at his home near Savannah, Georgia. He died a week after celebrating his 71st birthday and just before he and his wife Robin would have shared their 39th wedding anniversary. He will be deeply missed by Robin, whom Franz described as "my greatest blessing and my best friend," his daughter Brett Smith ("Robin's best gift to me") and her husband Franklin and daughters Taylor and Reghan, stepson Allan Macdonell ("my bonus"), sister Beth Russell, her children Alexis and Hart and a wide circle of friends. Born in Ontario, Franz's career in film, television and commercial voiceover spanned four decades - actually he never retired, just moved his recording studio home. He played feature roles in movies including Agency and Paperback Hero, acted in ongoing and guest roles in numerous television series, including The Trouble With Tracey, Wojeck and Beachcombers as well as producing, directing and acting in regional, national and internationally aired television commercials. His voiceover work earned him four Clio awards - one of the industry's highest honours. Franz's incredible voice, unfailing professionalism and sheer love of the business made him a top commercial actor and voice talent in Toronto, Vancouver and finally New York. He also worked in Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he and Robin co-hosted Around the House, a syndicated public affairs radio program. Franz dealt with increasing health problems in recent years by doing what he could to mitigate them and refusing to allow them to diminish his joy in life. He and Robin enjoyed making new friends, cherished their old ones and some of Franz's happiest times were when he was surrounded by friends, family, good music and a hint of barbeque smoke in the air. He was a big man who led a big life and his loss will be deeply felt by everyone who shared that life with him.
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23 Entries
Robert Milicevic
July 21, 2024
In 1978 Franz was my instructor for acting and voice acting in Vancouver BC at Weist Barron School of Television. He was a great guy. All the best to his wife Robin and the rest of his family members. My condolences to you all.
Anna & Greg Bell
June 24, 2008
Brett,
i am so sorry for your loss may gob bless you and keep you safe if you need anything just lets us know take care. we love you
Frank Proctor
June 21, 2008
Hi Robin and family.
As you know, I knew Franz during the taping of "The Trouble with Tracy" at the CTV studios in Scarborough. My wife, Di, ("Tracy" in the series) was absolutely smitten by this giant of a man whom she was lucky enough to work with for just over a year while
completing the shooting of the series...something like 182 episodes..if my numbers are not exact, forgive me, it's way too late in the wee hours of the morning to wake Di and verify those details. Just let me say the the number was copious...and the experience was grand..for everyone on set.
I know for a fact that there was never a harsh word spoken between the four main characters involved in the show; Bonnie Brooks as the secretary to "Doug Young"..Steve Weston (about whom a whole book should be written..if you could get it past the censors! Di loved him deeply as well as Franz) and of course my wife, Di Nyland Proctor as "Tracy".
Some of my fondest memories of Franz was visiting the farmhouse Robin and he were renting during the Tracy days. The bar was always open and in fact, if I'm not mistaken, The LCBO even had a delivery day, just to make sure none of Franz's friends would be without their favourite libation. And guess who footed the bill for all of this liquid laughter?..Franz and Robin of course.
As the husband of the star of the show, I was never left out of the back-stage hi-jinks; in fact I even got to play in a couple of episodes;an office boy who was selling popcorn etc in the office..providing a back-wrenching prat fall (which, of course, was missed by the cameras) and in the other role, a seedy member of the mob. (yeah, at 5 foot 6 inches tall, I must have had the good guys shaking in their boots)
Being on set with the fearsome foursome was wonderful. But, I was there every other day to pick Di up and race home so we could have a quick dinner and she could start getting the 50 pages of dialogue for that day's show out of her head and start memorizing the next days script.
What a a joy it was for Di to re-connect with Franz after so many years. They became on-line buddies in the past two years and in fact, we had hopes of visiting them in the near future; once we got the travel arrangements straighted out. With Di now on oxygen 24/7, we are finding it challenging, to say the least, in organizing our trips..especially ones to the States.
Damn! Just a bit late on that!
On behalf of Di, let me say that Franz was big...in every sense of the word. His zest for life was contagious and his smile would challenge any global warming issues.
Like an exploding nova, he has left a huge void...but his laughter, love and loyalty will never be forgotten.
God Bless you Robin and family. Our hearts and minds are with you.
Frank Proctor and Di
Casey Stevens
June 20, 2008
I'm really at a loss to explain how sad I am that the world has lost Franz. He was my "second dad" from the moment we first met, and I am honored to be among the incredibly lucky people who loved him. All my love to the family - you know I will keep you in my thoughts and wish you always only the best.
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Jeffrey Huard
June 19, 2008
To Beth,
Alan and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers during this sad time. My your memories of your brother burn brightly in your heart.
Bill Shean
June 19, 2008
Dear Robin,
We just heard the sad news about Franz on June 18th. I wish we would have known sooner. I was just visiting with him while we were both at the hospital 3 weeks ago and then we bumped into each other at Publix after leaving the hospital that same day. We met at the hospital and then discovered we were neighbors as transplants to Guyton! Our prayers are with you and your family, our sincere condolences. I will miss him and his smile and warmth. I would like to stop by one day soon and extend our sincere sympathy. Fondly, Bill Shean & Cheryl
Roger Monk
June 18, 2008
Although I had not seen Franz for many years, his passing was a real shock, and I will miss him and his infectious laugh. He always called me "Number One" and that will stick with me forever. Great to talk with you Robin, you have not changed one little bit.
Simpson O'Brien
June 16, 2008
My good ole friend, Brettie
So sorry to read about your dad. I'm glad I got to know him a little when I was on HHI. Tho up by Chicago I think about ya'll often. Thoughts and prayers always.
Russell Brown
June 15, 2008
Robin,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We recall with fondness the hours spent together with you and Franz by the pool at our home in Tsawwassen.
Russ & Joan Brown
Alice Pollak
June 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.. May God give you strength thru this difficult time..
I got to know Franz for a short while, he was gracious enough to perform in "HERE"S LOVE" for me at the Savannah Theatre.. As a director, I was floored when he came to auditions.. Never could I have found a more perfect Santa Claus. He was magical in the role. How the kids loved him.. The cast learned much from his knowledge and discipline of theatre..
What a dear man he was to take the time between his trips to New York to help in our community theatre production.
His skills as a performer were pure perfection..
Thank You for the time you gave to us Franz - I know your family will greatly miss you..
With deep sympathy and warmest regards,
Kevin Coan
June 13, 2008
Robin,
His warmth, charisma and attitude made a lasting impression on me. I wish you and Brett strength and good memories.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Kay Evans
June 13, 2008
Ms. Robin, So sorry to hear of Mr. Franz's passing. The two of you were a joy to serve when I worked at Amy's Ice Cream. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you, the granchildren, and entire family. May God bring you comfort in your time of need.
Edward Kitzmiller
June 13, 2008
Dear Brett and family,
Like everyone else who met him or knew him, he brought laughter and joy to everyone around him, he had a full and wonderful life , full of friends and loved ones, he is leaving to all of you a legacy to carry on through your lives . At times so trying and hard, lean on God's love to see you through.
Edward Kitzmiller and LAtrelle
ADAM, KARRIE AND KAEDEN KUHARIK
June 13, 2008
MAY THE LORD COMFORT AND KEEP YOU DURING THIS TIME. MY BROTHER IN LAW, SISTER IN LAW AND NEPHEW REALLY ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY. TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT HE IS WITH HIS FATHER, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.
William & Theresa Ellis
June 13, 2008
Sorry to learn of your dad's passing
Kim Coan
June 12, 2008
Robin,
I have wonderful memories of the times with you and Franz. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. May God bless you.
Karen Wotring
June 12, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I knew Mr. Russell through the wound care center when he used to go to them. He was always very happy and cheerful and always put a smile on my face every time I saw him. I'll think of him often, and the family as well.
Kim Classen
June 12, 2008
Brett,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce VanArsdale
June 12, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Audrey Powers
June 12, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you during the this time of grief.
From Hydrotherapy
Emma Simmons-Brown
June 12, 2008
My love to the Russell's Family and may God bless you during this time of grief. My thoughts and prayer are with you and may your memories bring you comfort.
From Hydrotherapy
Sandra Seckinger
June 12, 2008
Brett,
I am so sorry for your loss. Remember that your dad will live on in your hearts forever. I wish I could come up with the words to make you hurt a little less, but just know that we are thinking of you. May you feel God's comforting arms around you during this time.
Karen Clisham
June 11, 2008
Franz was a true friend to me as well as a second father figure. I loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed. His family can be proud of his lifetime accomplishments and his devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren.
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