Tony Winner Elizabeth Franz, Beloved ‘Gilmore Girls’ Star, Dead at 84

Tony Winner & ‘Gilmore Girls’ Star Elizabeth Franz Dies at 84

Broadway lovers and “Gilmore Girls” fans, this one hurts — Elizabeth Franz, the incredible Tony-winning actress best known for playing Mia, the sweet owner of the Independence Inn, has passed away at the age of 84.

Franz died on November 4 at her home in Woodbury, Connecticut, her husband Christopher Pelham confirmed. He shared that her passing was caused by cancer and a severe reaction to treatment medication.

The great Elizabeth Franz, who died on November 4, as Linda Loman in the acclaimed 1999 Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, for which she won a Tony and received an Emmy nomination. pic.twitter.com/AMTtk6PF2B

— Kevin Daly (@kevinddaly) November 16, 2025

If you don’t instantly recognize her name, trust us — you’ve definitely seen her shine. Franz had a massive career across theater, TV, and film, and she absolutely owned the stage. From “Buried Child” to “Lost in Yonkers” and “A View from the Bridge,” she was one of those actors who made every scene feel bigger.

But her most legendary performance? Easy. Her role as Linda Loman in the 50th anniversary Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” starring opposite Brian Dennehy. She didn’t just act — she devoured the role. And Broadway agreed, awarding her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in 1999.

Elizabeth Franz Dies at 84 After Cancer Battle and Drug Reaction#elizabethfranzer #DeathofaSalesman #ripelizabethfranz pic.twitter.com/w09pJiQyjp

— MEAWW (@meawwofficial) November 15, 2025

Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Actress of ‘Death of a Salesman,’ Dies at 84 After Cancer Diagnosis https://t.co/JeVmnj8ixQ

— People (@people) November 15, 2025

Franz once said the role allowed her to explore “the most wonderful conversations” in its emotional moments, and even Miller himself praised her powerful take on Linda, calling it deeper and more protective than any he’d seen.

She later starred in Showtime’s TV adaptation of the play in 2000, which earned her an Emmy nomination too — because of course it did.

And if you’re thinking she peaked once, think again. Franz earned TWO other Tony nominations — one in 1983 for “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and another in 2002 for “Morning’s at Seven.”

TV fans may remember her from “Gilmore Girls,” where she played Mia Bass in a Season 2 episode before the character was recast. But her résumé doesn’t stop there. She also appeared in “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Judging Amy,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Homeland,” and more.

On the big screen, she popped up in beloved films like “Sabrina,” “School Ties,” “Twisted,” and the holiday favorite “Christmas with the Kranks.”

Elizabeth Franz wasn’t just an actress — she was a force. A Broadway legend, a lovable TV presence, and a performer who left her mark on every project she touched.