We are sad to report the sudden passing of Central New York singer, actor, dancer and musician- Frankie Michael at age 60 March 30, 2016 at his home in Chittenango, NY. Born Francis Michael Chermesky in Bridgeport, Conn on May 5, 1955.
The son of Michael & Mary Chermesky. We knew Frankie best as being co-owner and musician of the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Syracuse . But he was so much more...here's a brief bio.
Appeared on the television series " As The World Turns" (1964-65) as Tom Hughes for 22 episodes. Followed by "Our Private World" (1965). At age 10 recorded the Glady's Shelley theme song for the "Little Miss America Pageant" held at Palisades Park in New Jersey. This theme song would be recorded and released on Spiral Records #9744 in September 1965.
Michaels landed some off-Broadway work in "Happily Ever After" & "A For Adult". It was in 1965 that Broadway came calling as Frankie landed a roll in the Broadway production of "Mame" starring Angela Lansbury & Bea Arthur. He auditions performing shows in Philadelphia, Boston (Shubert Theater) and others in April 1966. Then on to the Broadway stage at New York's Winter Garden Theater for 1,508 performances starting on May 24, 1966. During 1966, Columbia Records release a soundtrack of "Mame" #KOS-3000.
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Frankie became the youngest actor to win a 'Tony Award' as "Best Supporting or Feature Actor" in a Musical. He received the award at the 20th Annual Tony Award Show. This led to national television appearances with Joey Bishop, Mike Douglas and the "King of Sunday TV"- Ed Sullivan.
He graduated from the Fannie A. Smith School in 1973.
Through the many years Frankie continued to work clubs, casinos, resorts and even in Las Vegas (Sands Hotel & others). He was also the vp/co-owner at the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Syracuse. He performed many nights with Mike Carletta, Anthony Perra and many others
Frankie Michaels performed at the 2010 Angela Lansbury Tribute held at Drama League Gala in NYC. In 2013 you could find Frankie worked at United Radio Service in Syracuse, NY. And finally I found Frankie performing at the Georgian Lakeside Resort Dinner Theater April 13, 2015 . His show was titled "Celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday". He still preformed this his passing. Frankie Michaels though the years resided in Liverpool, Canastota, Chittenango & others.
