What was Elizabeth Franz's role in Gilmore Girls?

Elizabeth Franz played the role of Mia Bass, the proprietor of the Independence Inn, in the popular TV series Gilmore Girls. She served as a maternal figure and mentor to the show's protagonist, Lorelai.

What award did Elizabeth Franz receive for her performance in Death of a Salesman?

Elizabeth Franz received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Linda Loman in the 50th anniversary production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 1999.

How did playwright Arthur Miller describe Elizabeth Franz's performance as Linda Loman?

Miller praised Franz's performance, stating that she had "discovered in the role the basic underlying powerful protectiveness, which comes out as fury, and that in the past, in every performance I know of, was simply washed out."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Acclaimed Performer Elizabeth Franz Loses Battle with Cancer

Acclaimed Performer Elizabeth Franz Loses Battle with Cancer

15 Nov

•

Summary

Acclaimed actress Elizabeth Franz passed away on November 4, 2025
She was honored with a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play
Remembered for her role as Mia Bass in Gilmore Girls

Acclaimed Performer Elizabeth Franz Loses Battle with Cancer

Renowned actress Elizabeth Franz has sadly passed away at the age of 84. Her husband, screenwriter Christopher Pelham, confirmed that she died on November 4, 2025, following a battle with cancer.

Elizabeth Franz first graced the stage in 1967 and went on to have a distinguished acting career. She was honored with a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her work. Before her acting career took off, she worked as a secretary until she had saved enough money to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Franz is fondly remembered for her role as Mia Bass, the proprietor of the Independence Inn, in the beloved TV series Gilmore Girls. She served as a maternal figure and mentor to the show's protagonist, Lorelai, when she fled to Stars Hollow. Additionally, Franz starred in numerous stage productions, including Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.