Frank Capra.

Francesco Rosario Capra

Born 18 May 1897 Bisacquino, Italy

Died 3 Sep 1991 La Quinta, United States

Citizenship Italy

Would Be 129 yr If Living

15 min read

Reading time

2,937

Words

Oct 5, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Frank Capra, an Italian-born American film director, won three Academy Awards for Best Director and directed It Happened One Night 1934 and It’s a Wonderful Life 1946. His films often championed the common man against corrupt institutions, earning the label ‘Capraesque. He also served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935 to 1939.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Frank Capra — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Francesco Rosario Capra

Aliases Frank R. Capra, Mr. Frank Capra, Col. Frank Capra USAR

Spouses: Lou Capra Helen Howell

At a glance.

STATS

Frank Capra by the numbers — life, work, and family.

94 Years lived

15 Awards

2 Marriages

Who was Frank Capra?

BIOGRAPHY

Frank Capra — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

On May 18, 1897, Francesco Rosario Capra was born in Bisacquino, Sicily. On May 10, 1903, his family emigrated to America aboard the ship Germania, arriving in New York on May 23. They settled in Los Angeles, where Capra began his education at Castelar Elementary School. He attended Manual Arts High School, graduating in 1915, and then studied chemical engineering at Throop College of Technology now Caltech. Family pressure told him to quit school, but Capra persisted. He believed education was essential to the American Dream.

Career

Capra began his film career as a gag writer for Mack Sennett and Harry Langdon. He directed his first feature The Strong Man 1926 with Langdon. His breakthrough came at Columbia Pictures, where he directed It Happened One Night 1934, which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. He then directed Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 1936, You Can’t Take It with You 1938, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939, and It’s a Wonderful Life 1946. During World War II, he served in the Army Pictorial Service and produced the Why We Fight documentary series, which earned him an Oscar for Best Documentary in 1942.

Personal life

Capra married twice. He married Helen Howell in 1923, divorcing in 1929. In 1932, he married Lou Capra, with whom he had four children: Frank Jr., John who died at age three from tonsillectomy complications, Lulu, and Tom. The family lived in Fallbrook, California. Capra was a lifelong conservative Republican and served as an FBI informer during the McCarthy era.

Legacy

Capra was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1982 and the National Medal of Arts in 1986. His film It’s a Wonderful Life is annually broadcast at Christmas and is the most uplifting movie of all time according to AFI. Director Clint Eastwood said his only regret was that Capra retired early when he still could make good movies. Capra was honored on a US postage stamp in 2012 along with John Ford, Billy Wilder, and John Huston.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 13

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Frank Capra — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

National Medal of Arts
Academy Award for Best Director
AFI Life Achievement Award
Golden Plate Award
Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Victory Medal
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Board of Review Award for Best Film
Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Inkpot Award

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 9

A wall of memorable lines from Frank Capra — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Behind Every Successful Man There Stands an Astonished Woman.
Compassion Is a Two-way Street.
My Advice to Young Filmmakers Is This: Don’t Follow Trends. Start Them!
I Thought Drama Was When the Actors Cried. but Drama Is When the Audience Cries.
There Are No Rules in Filmmaking. Only Sins. and the Cardinal Sin Is Dullness.
Film Is a Disease. When It Infects Your Bloodstream, It Takes Over as the Number One Hormone; It Bosses the Enzymes; Directs the Pineal Gland; Plays Iago to Your Psyche. as with Heroin, the Antidote to Film Is More Film.
A Hunch Is Creativity Trying to Tell You Something.
Do Not Help the Quick Moneymakers Who Have Delusions About Taking Possession of Classics by Smearing Them with Paint.
There Is One Word That Aptly Describes Hollywood – Nervous.

Did you know?

FACTS · 43

Little-known facts about Frank Capra — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Capra’s first Best Director Oscar nomination in 1933 for Lady for a Day led to an embarrassing moment when presenter Will Rogers opened the envelope and said the award was for Frank, leading Capra to walk toward the stage only to realize Rogers meant Frank Lloyd for Cavalcade.
Capra claimed that Frank Sinatra had the potential to be the best actor ever, once telling him to quit his musical career and focus solely on acting.
Capra is the second most-represented filmmaker on the American Film Institute’s 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time, with four films: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town at 83, Meet John Doe at 49, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington at 5, and the most uplifting movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life.
His father, Turiddu, died in a factory accident in 1915 when he got caught in gears and was nearly ripped in half.
Although most of his films were written by individuals on the political left, Capra himself was a lifelong conservative Republican who never voted for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, admired Francisco Franco and Benito Mussolini, and later served as a secret FBI informer for his friend J. Edgar Hoover.
Capra claimed that both Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Sinatra left their best scenes in rehearsal, saying that all subsequent takes got stale quickly. He often shot scenes with them without any rehearsing.
Capra’s last name means goat in his native Italian.
When Capra won his first Oscar, he re-negotiated his contract with Columbia Pictures to include a proviso that forbade studio boss Harry Cohn from appearing on the set of any film Capra was making.
Critics dubbed his movies as Capra-corn for their simple and sappy storylines.
Among many unrealized projects, one to which he was especially devoted was a film about the life of Saint Paul, to star Frank Sinatra.
Capra directed ten different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: May Robson, Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper, H.B. Warner, Spring Byington, James Stewart, Claude Rains, Harry Carey, and Peter Falk. Gable and Colbert won for It Happened One Night.
Capra said Jean Arthur would get real tense and often become violently sick before shooting began, but she always managed to compose herself when the cameras started to roll.
A staunch opponent of abortion, Capra donated funds to support the Human Life Amendment.
Capra studied electrical engineering at CalTech and only began working in films as a temporary summer job.
He hosted the Academy Awards in 1936 and 1939.
Capra had a son, Johnny, who died in 1938 at age three from complications arising from a tonsillectomy.
He was head of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1958.
Capra has directed seven films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Lady for a Day, It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take It with You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and It’s a Wonderful Life. It Happened One Night and You Can’t Take It with You won.
The adjective Capraesque was inspired by his style.
Capra was awarded the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award in 1982.
He was honored on a US postage stamp in May 2012 along with John Ford, Billy Wilder, and John Huston.
Capra was father to Frank Capra Jr. 1934-2007, John Capra 1935-1938, Lulu Capra born 1937, and Tom Capra born 1941. The family lived in Fallbrook, California.
Entertainment Weekly voted Capra the 9th Greatest Director of all time.
Capra served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935 to 1939.
Upon his death, his remains were interred at Coachella Valley Public Cemetery in Coachella, California, plot Lot 289, Unit 8, Block 77.
He was once a gag man for the Keystone Film Company, best known for its Keystone Cops shorts.
Capra was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts in 1986 by the National Endowment of the Arts.
He got his first film assignment by answering an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper.
Capra’s classmates at Manual Arts High School included singer Lawrence Tibbett and future war hero Jimmy Doolittle.
He heavily influenced friend Thomas R. Bond II, a producer/director who gained most of his knowledge from Capra.
Capra became friends with Clint Eastwood later in his life; Eastwood said his only regret was that Capra retired early and was still capable of making good movies.
Capra emigrated to America with his parents in 1903, settling in Los Angeles where his older brother was already living.
About Ladies of Leisure 1930 with a very young Barbara Stanwyck, Capra later wrote that he would have married her if both of them had been free.
MGM production chief Irving Thalberg wanted to borrow Capra from Columbia and offered Harry Cohn $50,000, the use of an MGM star, and Capra’s choice of properties. The project was cancelled due to Thalberg’s illness.
Colleen Moore recalled that Capra directed the cameo appearance by Harry Langdon in the First National picture Ella Cinders 1926.
Capra was originally supposed to write and direct Circus World 1964 but quit when star John Wayne rejected his script.
He served as President of the Directors Guild of America from 1960 to 1961, and President of the Screen Directors Guild from 1939 to 1941.
Capra has six films in the National Film Registry: The Strong Man 1926, The Power of the Press 1928, It Happened One Night 1934, Lost Horizon 1937, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939, and It’s a Wonderful Life 1946. His Why We Fight series is also in the registry.
His films were nominated for Best Picture in four consecutive years: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 1936, Lost Horizon 1937, You Can’t Take It with You 1938, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939. Only You Can’t Take It with You won.
Capra was such a fan of the TV show The Addams Family 1964 that he offered to come out of retirement to direct episodes, but could not reach a financial agreement.
Capra’s play It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago at the American Blues Theater was nominated for a 2017 Joseph Jefferson Equity Award for Ensemble and for Midsize Play Production.
He spent World War II in the Army Pictorial Service making documentaries including Prelude to War, The Nazis Strike, Divide and Conquer, The Battle of Britain, and The Battle of Russia.
Among top directors, Capra had six Oscar nominations for Best Director, with three wins.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 52

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Frank Capra.

When was Frank Capra born?

Frank Capra was born on May 18, 1897 in Bisacquino, Sicily, Italy.
Where was Frank Capra born?

He was born in Bisacquino, Sicily, Italy.
When did Frank Capra die?

Frank Capra died on September 3, 1991 at the age of 94.
How old was Frank Capra when he died?

He was 94 years old when he passed away.
Where did Frank Capra die?

He died in La Quinta, California, USA.
How did Frank Capra die?

Capra died of a heart attack in his sleep at his home in La Quinta.
What was Frank Capra's birth name?

His birth name was Francesco Rosario Capra.
What was Frank Capra's occupation?

Capra was a director, writer, and producer in the film industry.
What nationality was Frank Capra?

He was Italian by birth and became a naturalized US citizen in 1920.
Who was Frank Capra married to?

He was married to Helen Howell from 1923 to 1929 and later to Lou Capra from 1932 until his death.
Where did Frank Capra go to school?

Capra attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles and later studied chemical engineering at the California Institute of Technology Caltech.
What awards did Frank Capra win?

He won three Academy Awards for Best Director, the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1982, the National Medal of Arts in 1986, and many others including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many Academy Awards did Frank Capra win?

Capra won three Oscars for Best Director for It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and You Can’t Take It with You.
What is Frank Capra best known for?

He is best known for directing films like It Happened One Night 1934, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939, and It’s a Wonderful Life 1946.
How tall was Frank Capra?

Frank Capra was 5 feet 7 inches 1.70 m tall.
What other names did Frank Capra use?

He was also known as Frank R. Capra, Mr. Frank Capra, and Col. Frank Capra USAR.
What was Frank Capra's childhood like?

Capra grew up in a poor Italian immigrant family in Los Angeles. He sold newspapers, worked as a janitor, and played music in brothels to help support his family. Despite pressure to quit school, he graduated high school and attended Caltech.
What is 'Capra-corn'?

Capra-corn was a derogatory term critics used for Capra’s films, which they saw as simple and sentimental. Capra embraced the term, defending his optimistic style.
Did Frank Capra serve in the military?

Yes, Capra served in the U.S. Army during World War I and later during World War II, where he headed the Army Pictorial Service and produced the Why We Fight documentary series.
What was Frank Capra's role in the Academy?

Capra was President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935 to 1939, helping to reform the organization and save the Oscars.
How many films did Frank Capra direct?

Capra directed over 30 feature films in his career, including several silent films and many iconic sound films.
What was Frank Capra's political affiliation?

Despite the New Deal themes in his films, Capra was a lifelong conservative Republican and a friend of J. Edgar Hoover.
Did Frank Capra have children?

Yes, he had four children: Frank Capra Jr., John who died at age 3, Lulu, and Tom.
What was Frank Capra's last film?

His final film was Pocketful of Miracles 1961, a remake of his earlier Lady for a Day 1933.
What is Frank Capra's legacy?

Capra’s films are considered American classics, and his style has influenced countless filmmakers. He is remembered for his optimistic view of the common man and his masterful storytelling.
What was the 'Why We Fight' series?

The Why We Fight series was a set of seven propaganda films Capra directed during World War II, explaining America’s reasons for entering the war. They were highly acclaimed and won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 1942.
How many times was Frank Capra nominated for an Academy Award?

Capra received six Academy Award nominations for Best Director, winning three times.
What is the AFI ranking of Capra's films?

The American Film Institute ranked It’s a Wonderful Life as the most inspiring movie of all time, and Capra had four films on the list of 100 Most Inspiring Movies.
Did Frank Capra write an autobiography?

Yes, Capra wrote an autobiography titled The Name Above the Title, published in 1971.
What was Frank Capra's relationship with Harry Cohn?

Capra had a contentious but productive relationship with Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn. After winning an Oscar, Capra negotiated a clause that barred Cohn from his sets.
What did Frank Capra think of Barbara Stanwyck?

Capra admired Stanwyck greatly, once saying he would have married her if both had been free. He often shot her scenes without rehearsal because her first take was usually the best.
What was the 'Capraesque' style?

Capraesque refers to Capra’s characteristic style of blending social commentary with humor and sentiment, often featuring an idealistic hero triumphing over cynicism and corruption.
Where is Frank Capra buried?

He is interred at Coachella Valley Public Cemetery in Coachella, California.
What honor did Frank Capra receive in 2012?

He was featured on a US postage stamp in May 2012, alongside directors John Ford, Billy Wilder, and John Huston.
Did Frank Capra ever work with John Wayne?

Capra was initially set to write and direct Circus World 1964 with John Wayne, but left the project when Wayne rejected his script.
What was Frank Capra's highest-grossing film?

It’s a Wonderful Life initially flopped but later became a perennial Christmas classic, grossing millions in subsequent re-releases.
Was Frank Capra a member of the Directors Guild?

Yes, he served as President of the Screen Directors Guild 1939-1941 and later the Directors Guild of America 1960-1961.
What did Frank Capra say about his filmmaking philosophy?

Capra described himself as Mr. Up-beat and defended his optimistic style, saying that to him, life itself is larger than life.
How did Frank Capra get his start in film?

He answered a newspaper ad and began working as a prop buyer and editor at an independent studio, which later became Columbia Pictures.
What is Frank Capra's connection to Caltech?

Capra earned a degree in chemical engineering from Caltech then Throop College in 1918. He developed a love for poetry there.
Did Frank Capra have any unrealized projects?

He was devoted to making a film about Saint Paul starring Frank Sinatra, but it never materialized.
What was the first sound film directed by Frank Capra?

Capra’s first sound film was The Younger Generation 1929, after reshoots added dialogue.
How many of Capra's films are in the National Film Registry?

Seven of his works are in the Registry: six feature films and the Why We Fight series considered as one entry.
What was the box office performance of Capra's films?

Many of his films were huge hits, like It Happened One Night and You Can’t Take It with You, though It’s a Wonderful Life initially underperformed.
Who were Frank Capra's key collaborators?

He frequently worked with screenwriter Robert Riskin and actors like James Stewart, Gary Cooper, and Barbara Stanwyck.
What was Frank Capra's military rank?

He served as a Colonel in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Did Frank Capra ever win an Emmy?

No, Capra did not win an Emmy, but his television work includes the acclaimed documentary series The Bell System Science Series.
What is the meaning of the name 'Capra'?

In Italian, Capra means goat.
How many Best Picture Oscars did Capra's films win?

Two of his films won Best Picture: It Happened One Night 1934 and You Can’t Take It with You 1938.
What was Frank Capra's first directorial feature?

His first directorial feature was The Strong Man 1926, starring Harry Langdon.
Did Frank Capra ever receive an honorary Oscar?

No, despite his service to the Academy, Capra never received an honorary Oscar. Bob Hope, in contrast, received four.
What was Frank Capra's relationship with the film industry during the Red Scare?

Capra served as a secret FBI informant for J. Edgar Hoover, reporting on suspected communists in Hollywood.

View all 52 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on October 5, 2026

Report an issue

If something on this page looks off, we genuinely want to know about it. Send us a quick email with the celebrity's name, the detail that seems incorrect, and any sources you're referencing. We review every report and update the page as soon as we can.

Report an issue