Genie Francis — Biography

Born Eugenia Ann Francis, known to the world as Genie, arrived in Lunenberg, Massachusetts, on May 26, 1962, though an alternative account points to Englewood, New Jersey, as her birthplace. She etched her name into television history as Laura Spencer on General Hospital, a character inextricably linked with the phenomenon of "Luke and Laura." Their on-screen wedding in November 1981, which followed a highly contentious storyline element, captivated an astounding 30 million viewers, a record for a single hour of daytime drama. This pivotal role, it's said, came to her almost miraculously, as if a wish granted just prior to her casting. Following this immense success, Francis ventured into her own television series, Bare Essence, but it did not find an audience. During this time, however, she met Jonathan Frakes, an actor who would later gain significant recognition. Francis reprised her iconic role on General Hospital in 1983 for a temporary return. Interestingly, she once declined the lead in the film SPLASH, deeming the script too frivolous at the time. Her artistic roots run deep, with her father, Ivor Francis, a Canadian actor, and her mother, Rosemary Daley, a former actress and model of Lithuanian heritage, both involved in the performing arts. She is one of four siblings, including older brother Ivor Jr., younger brother Kenneth, and older half-sister Shelby. For a period, Francis owned and operated a shop named The Cherished Home, specializing in cottage-style furniture and home decor, which also had an online presence. She sold this venture in 2002, citing her commitments to THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. In May 2007, she became a spokesperson for the Medifast Diet, reporting a significant weight loss by December of that same year. Francis's acting journey began with a guest appearance on the television show FAMILY, in a two-part episode titled "Jury Duty."