Anne Francis: R.I.P.

Actress Anne Francis,  the love interest in the 1950s science-fiction classic "Forbidden Planet" and later sexy private eye in "Honey West" on TV, has died at age 80.

In "Honey West," (1965 to 1966), Francis' private detective was a female James Bond, sexy, stylish and as good with martial arts as she was with a gun. She was nominated for an Emmy for the role, which lasted 30 episodes. In an interview, Francis said, "The character made young women think there was more they could reach for. It encouraged a lot of people."

Among her other films: "Bad Day at Black Rock" with Tracy and Robert Ryan, "Rogue Cop" with Taylor, "The Rack" with Newman, "A Lion Is in the Streets" with James Cagney, and "Hook, Line and Sinker" opposite Jerry Lewis.

When her movie career declined, Francis became active in television, appearing in dozens of series, including "Mission Impossible," ''The Virginian,"  ''Ironside," ''Gunsmoke," ''The Twilight Zone," ''Charlie's Angels,"  and "Nash Bridges."