Frances de Villers Brokaw: Step Daughter Of Actor Henry Fonda

Frances de Villers Brokaw was known for being the daughter of Frances Ford Seymour and George Tuttle Brokaw. 

Her stepfather was the renowned actor Henry Fonda. Frances de Villers Brokaw herself didn’t achieve fame in the public eye. 

However, her familial connections to prominent figures in the entertainment industry, particularly as the step-sister of Jane Fonda, contribute to her recognition.

Quick Bio

Full NameFrances de Villers Brokaw
GenderFemale
Date Of Birth October 10, 1931
Place Of BirthNew York, New York, United States
Date Of DeathMarch 10, 2008
Place Of deathRome, Città Metropolitana, Italy
Zodiac SignN\A
Age On Death76
Sexual OrientationStraight
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityCaucasian 
ParentsFrances Ford Seymour & George Tuttle Brokaw
Step FatherHenry Fonda
Siblings3
Famous ForHenry Fonda’s Step Daughter
Marital statusMarried
HusbandCharles Leo Abry IV
Children1
Net WorthN\A

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Early Life & Background

Frances de Villers Brokaw was born on October 10, 1931, in New York, New York, United States. She passed away on March 10, 2008, at the age of 76. 

Born under the zodiac sign of Libra, she likely possessed traits such as diplomacy, social grace, and a love for beauty and harmony. 

As a Caucasian American, she held American nationality. Frances de Villers Brokaw’s early life was marked by her family’s affluent background, as she was born into a wealthy and influential family. 

While specific details about her upbringing are limited, she enjoyed a privileged lifestyle and likely benefited from her family’s connections to notable personalities.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Educational Background

Information regarding Frances de Villers Brokaw’s educational background is limited. There are no widely available records or reports detailing her formal education or academic pursuits. 

Given her family’s affluent background and social status, it’s plausible that she received a privileged education typical of individuals from wealthy families during her time.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Professional Career

There is limited information available regarding Frances de Villers Brokaw’s professional career. It appears that she did not pursue a highly publicized or notable career path. 

Instead, Frances may have focused on private endeavors or familial responsibilities, given her background as part of a prominent family. 

While her step-sister, Jane Fonda, achieved considerable success in the entertainment industry, Frances de Villers Brokaw did not attain comparable recognition in terms of professional achievements.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Parents

Frances de Villers Brokaw was born on October 10, 1931, to her parents Frances Ford Seymour and George Tuttle Brokaw. 

Frances Ford Seymour, originally from Canada, was a socialite who later married actor Henry Fonda. 

Frances de Villers Brokaw was the maternal half-sister of Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda. 

She grew up in a prominent family with her siblings, and her upbringing was marked by the influence of her mother’s marriages and social circles.

Frances Ford Seymour

Frances Ford Seymour, born on April 4, 1908, was a Canadian-American socialite. She married George Tuttle Brokaw, a wealthy lawyer and sportsman, in 1931. 

They had one child together, Frances de Villers “Pan” Brokaw, born on October 10, 1931. 

Unfortunately, Frances Ford Seymour struggled with emotional issues, leading to her admission to the Austen Riggs Psychiatric Hospital in January 1950. 

Tragically, on April 14, 1950, Frances Ford Seymour died by suicide at the age of 42 while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Despite her untimely death, her legacy lives on through her children.

George Tuttle Brokaw

George Tuttle Brokaw, born on November 14, 1879, was a prominent lawyer and sportsman. He married Frances Ford Seymour in 1931. 

Before his marriage to Frances, George had a daughter named Ann Clare Brokaw. Together with Frances, George had one child, Frances de Villers “Pan” Brokaw, who was born on October 10, 1931. 

George passed away on March 17, 1935, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with both legal accomplishments and personal struggles.

Henry Fonda Was Her Stepfather

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s stepfather was actor Henry Fonda. Frances was born to Frances Ford Seymour and her first husband, George Tuttle Brokaw. 

Henry Fonda Was Her Stepfather
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

However, after the death of George Tuttle Brokaw, Frances Ford Seymour married Henry Fonda in 1936. As a result, Frances de Villers Brokaw became Henry Fonda’s stepdaughter.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Siblings

Frances de Villers Brokaw did not have full siblings but she had three half-siblings. 

Her half-siblings include two half-sisters, Jane Fonda & Ann Clare Brokaw, and one half-brother, Peter Fonda. 

Peter Fonda

Peter Fonda, born on February 23, 1940, was an American actor and filmmaker. 

He gained prominence for his role in “Easy Rider” and continued to act in various films. 

Fonda was known for his activism and contributions to independent cinema until his passing in August 2019.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, born on December 21, 1937, is an acclaimed actress, author, and political activist. 

She achieved success in film and television with iconic roles in movies like “Klute” and “9 to 5.” Fonda is also recognized for her advocacy work and philanthropy.

Ann Clare Brokaw

Ann Clare Brokaw, born on April 25, 1924, was Frances de Villers Brokaw’s half-sister from her father’s side. 

Not much is widely known about Ann Clare Brokaw’s public life, as she remained relatively out of the spotlight compared to her famous siblings, Jane and Peter Fonda.

Frances de Villers Brokaw Was Married To Charles Leo Arby IV 

Frances de Villers Brokaw was married to Charles Leo Abry IV in 1949. Charles Leo Abry IV was born on September 20, 1930, in New York, New York, United States. 

Frances de Villers Brokaw Was Married To Charles Leo Arby IV 
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Their marriage marked a significant milestone in Frances’s life, adding another chapter to her family’s history. However, details about their life together and any subsequent events are not widely documented.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Children

Frances de Villers Brokaw was the mother of a daughter named Pilar Corrias. Pilar is the only known child of Frances de Villers Brokaw. 

Pilar Corrias is a prominent figure in the contemporary art world, known for founding the Pilar Corrias Gallery in London in 2008. 

Her gallery, situated in a space designed by Rem Koolhaas, showcases emerging and established artists, fostering dialogue and growth within the art community. Corrias is dedicated to promoting innovative artistic expression.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Death

Frances de Villers Brokaw, born on October 10, 1931, tragically passed away on March 10, 2008, at the age of 76. She died in Rome, Città Metropolitana, Italy. 

Her death occurred several decades after the untimely suicide of her mother, Frances Ford Seymour, who took her own life on April 14, 1950, by slitting her throat while at the Austen Riggs Psychiatric Hospital in Beacon, New York.

Frances de Villers Brokaw’s Net Worth

There is no specific information available about Frances de Villers Brokaw’s net worth in 2024. As a private individual, details about her financial status may not be publicly disclosed or easily accessible. 

Celebrity Lifestyle Writers

Celebrity Lifestyle Writers

Our Celebrity Lifestyle Team is driven by passionate researchers who live and breathe the entertainment world. They leave no stone unturned, digging deep to track series of events, cross-check facts, and connect the dots to bring you authentic updates. From exclusive interviews with relevant insiders to insightful event analyses, they ensure every story is accurate and well-rounded. And on top of that, our team ensures that privacy is always respected while delivering accurate, ethical, and engaging content that readers can trust and enjoy.

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