’70s Actor, Famously Married His Co-Star, Turns 88

Frank Converse, one of Hollywood’s top-notch leading men in the 1970s, is marking a major milestone as he celebrates his 88th birthday.

Born on May 22, 1938, the Missouri native’s natural charm, handsome looks and undeniable talent made him one of the most respected and long-serving character actors in the industry.

With another year added, let’s revisit his colorful and diverse career as well as his stable and enduring love life.

Long before his mainstream spotlight, Converse began his career on Broadway, making his debut in the 1966 play First One Asleep, Whistle.

Following a series of his theatrical shows, he had his breakout television role a year later after landing a role in Coronet Blue.

Despite the actor making a name for himself in Hollywood and earning notable acting recognition, he continued to appear on theatrical stages, which led him to meet the love of his life.

In 1980, the N.Y.P.D. star joined the cast of The Man Who Came to Dinner, a major Broadway revival of the hit 1939 comedy play.

Theater actress Maureen Anderman, who played the female lead, caught Converse’s eye and the pair soon developed a lasting romance that would span decades. 

Two years after the play, they officially got married in 1982 and reportedly had a close friend and Broadway icon Colleen Dewhurst read a poem, which became the highlight of the ceremony.

Anderman and Converse were blessed with two children and settled down in Connecticut.

Converse’s wedding to the Tony-nominated actress was his third, following his first marriage to Carol Tauser, whom he married in the late 1950s before his on-screen limelight.

His second wife was Elise Astrid Ronning, whom he married shortly after his divorce from Tauser.

Theater Power Couple

With the same career background, both the Moving On star and Anderman continued as theater actors and even starred together on stage.

The pair marked their first major stage performance as husband and wife in 1986 for the regional production of Real Estate alongside iconic actress Colleen Dewhurst and actor Peter Michael Goetz.

Over the decade, the theater power couple teamed up to perform at benefit galas, regional theater fundraisers and community theater nights in New England.

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