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Born in Newport News, Virginia, Frankie studied theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University and later earned his MFA in theatre from New York University before beginning his professional career. Frankie earned a Tony and Drama Desk nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the brain-damaged Gabriel to James Earl Jones' Troy Maxon in August Wilson's award winning play, Fences. His other Broadway appearances include Getting Away with Murder, the Brooks Atkinson Theatre production of Of Mice and Men and the Circle in the Square revival of The Iceman Cometh and The Shadow Box.

In addition to his work in the theater, Frankie's films include, The Silence of the Lambs where he played the memorable role of the conscientious prison guard, Barney. He has appeared in Sommersby, Freejack, Albino Alligator, Roommates, Mississippi Burning, Do The Right Thing, Coming To America, The Money Pit, Hanky Panky, Cat People, City Of Hope, The Chosen and Ragtime, where he had the honor of working with the late, great James Cagney on his last film.

He was seen in Hannibal, directed by Ridley Scott in which he again played the role of Barney to critical acclaim. Other recent films include: Down To Earth, a remake of the film Heaven Can Wait, this time starring Chris Rock; the independent film, Sleepy Time Gal (Sundance Film Festival), directed by Chris Muney; and Detective Paretti in the film, The Thomas Crown Affair. Prior to that he appeared in The Rich Man's Wife and the adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Mother Night starring Nick Nolte. He also appeared with Nolte and Julia Roberts in I Love Trouble.

On television, Frankie is currently a series regular on the acclaimed HBO series The Wire he has also appeared as a regular on the series True Colors and the ABC series Prey as well as the NBC series a Hot Hero Sandwich. He has guest-starred on Law and Order, The Cobsy Show, Hawk, and HBO'S Oz, as well as many other episodic programs.

Along with Showtime, Frankie has recently been seen in 13 Conversations About One Thing, directed by Jill and Karen Sprecher, Gods and Generals, directed by Ron Maxwell and in the TNT Film The Santa Clause starring Whoopi Goldberg. Frankie is currently working on The Cookout opposite Queen Latifah and he is currently filming White Chicks with the Wayans brothers in the role of the chief.

Frankie is married to the producer/director of Luna Stage, Jane Mandel. They have three daughters and reside in NJ, 12 miles west of NY.

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