Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was a legendary American singer and actor, a true cultural icon of the 20th century whose unmistakable voice, charismatic swagger, and complex persona made him one of the most celebrated and influential entertainers of all time.
Beginning as a big-band singer in the swing era, Sinatra shot to superstardom in the 1940s, becoming the idol of millions of “bobby soxers.” After a career downturn, he staged one of the greatest comebacks in Hollywood history, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful dramatic performance as Private Angelo Maggio in the classic film From Here to Eternity (1953). This triumph reignited his career, leading to a series of critically acclaimed Capitol Records albums that redefined the art of popular singing.
As the leader of the legendary “Rat Pack,” Sinatra epitomized the cool sophistication of the Las Vegas era. He starred in a string of classic films, including the musical Guys and Dolls (1955), the heist caper Ocean’s 11 (1960), and the gripping political thriller The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his harrowing portrayal of a heroin addict in The Man with the Golden Arm (1955).
Known as “The Chairman of the Board,” he founded his own label, Reprise Records, and recorded timeless signature songs like “My Way” and “(Theme from) New York, New York.” A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, Frank Sinatra’s legacy as a monumental figure in music and film is unparalleled.
