James Franciscus, who starred in the TV series "Naked City," "Mr. Novak," and "Longstreet," has died of emphysema at age 57.
Franciscus died Monday night at the Medical Center of North Hollywood, publicist Phil Paladino said.The actor was born in Clayton, Mo., and attended a Massachusetts prep school before going to Yale University. After a stint with summer theater in Massachusetts, he was cast in a 1956 film, "Four Boys and a Gun."
But it was television that brought him fame. His TV career began in 1958 with ABC's "Naked City." He played Det. Jim Halloran but left after one season because the show was shot in New York and he wanted to live in California.
He became a teenage heartthrob playing English teacher John Novak in the 1960s series "Mr. Novak."
Franciscus was also a TV producer, presenting small-screen versions of such classics as "Jane Eyre" and "The Red Pony."
Survivors include his second wife, Carla, and four daughters.