Frank Capra

stamp of Frank Capra (right) with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert starring in his film ”It Happened One Night,” printed c. 2012, photo by Neftali/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Francesco Rosario Capra

Date of Birth: May 18, 1897

Place of Birth: Bisacquino, Sicily, Italy

Date of Death: September 3, 1991

Place of Death: La Quinta, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: Italian/Sicilian

Frank Capra was an American film director, writer, and producer. He was one of America’s most influential directors, becoming known during the 1930s and 1940s. He thrice won the Academy Award for Best Director, for It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), and You Can’t Take It With You (1938).

Frank was born in Bisacquino, Sicily, Italy, the son of Rosaria “Sarah” (Nicolosi) and Salvatore “Samuel” Capra. He moved to the United States in 1903. Frank was married to Lucille Warner, with whom he had four children.

Frank’s paternal grandfather was Benedetto Capra (the son of Salvadore Capra and Crocefissa Guarneri). Benedetto was born in Palermo, Sicily. Salvadore was the son of Benedetto Capra and Innocenza Alfano. Crocefissa was the daughter of Giacomo Guarneri.

Frank’s paternal grandmother was Luisa/Luigia Maienza (the daughter of Vincenzo Maienza and Rosalia Gagliano). Luisa was born in Bisacquino, Palermo, Sicily. Rosalia was the daughter of Giuseppe Gagliano and Tommasa Costa.

Frank’s maternal grandfather was named Antonino Nicolosi.

Frank’s maternal grandmother was named Luisa Caronna.

Sources: Discussion of Frank’s ancestry – https://www.italiangenealogy.com

Genealogy of Frank Capra (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Baptismal record of Frank Capra (upper left) – https://www.familysearch.org

Frank Capra on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death records of Frank Capra – http://www.geni.com
https://old.findagrave.com

Marriage record of Frank’s parents (middle right) – https://www.familysearch.org

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