Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin reenactor Ralph Archbold dies at age 75

Associated Press
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FILE – In this March 23, 2006, file photo, President George W. Bush, right, speaks after a performance by re-enactor Ralph Archbold, left, portraying Benjamin Franklin to mark the 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth on Jan. 17, 1706, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Archbold, who portrayed Franklin in Philadelphia for more than 40 years, died Saturday, March 25, 2017, at age 75, according to the Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli, Pa. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE – In this Jan. 17, 2006, file photo, re-enactor Ralph Archbold, portraying Benjamin Franklin, applauds during a party to mark the 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth on Jan. 17, 1706, in Philadelphia. Archbold, who portrayed Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia for more than 40 years, died Saturday, March 25, 2017, at age 75, according to the Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli, Pa. (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek, File) (The Associated Press)

A popular reenactor who portrayed Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia for more than 40 years and married a woman who portrays Betsy Ross has died.

The Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli (pay-OH'-lee) confirms Ralph Archbold died March 25 but says it can't disclose the cause of his death. He had turned 75 on Jan. 17, a birthday he shared with Franklin.

Archbold was a frequent fixture in the city's historic area and took his homage to Franklin to events around the world.

He and Linda Wilde married in costume at Independence Hall on July 3, 2008. A family statement lists two sons, two daughters and a stepdaughter among his other survivors.

A funeral home spokesman says the services held for Archbold were private.