Shirl Conway of Franklinville, NY

Shirl Conway, talented television and Broadway actress, was born Shirley Elizabeth Crosman on June 13th, 1916 in Franklinville, New York.  Her parents were William and Elizabeth Crosman and they lived on 25 Pine Street.  Her father was a proprietor of a clothing store.

She grew up in Franklinville and later attended the University of Michigan.  Afterwards she became a John Roberts Powers model.

Her name was changed when she turned to acting and appeared in several Broadway plays including “Plain and Fancy” for which she won a Theater World Award.  “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” followed and she toured the country in “Auntie Mame.”

Shirl is most remembered for her role in the day time drama “The Nurses,” in which she played the part of Liz Thorpe (1962 -1965).  This role earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Series.

Conway also appeared in various television series including “The Defenders”, Route 66 and Caesar’s Hour.

In 1972 she moved to Washington and was a founding member of Harstine Island Theater Group and starred in many productions up until the 1980’s.  She passed away on May 7, 2007 in Shelton, Washington. She was 90 years old.

From information in the files of the Ischua Valley Historical Society.  Submitted by Maggie Fredrickson, Village of Franklinville Historian.  Photo Shown from Internet Broadway Database.  

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