Franklin W. Dixon is the pen name for Edward L. Stratemeyer who originally began the series. It is not proven, but said, that his daughters updated and continued the series after their father's death in 1930.
Bill Irwin has appeared in numerous stage and screen productions including "Eight Men Out, My Blue Heaven," and Ron Howard's "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," His Broadway production of "Largely New York "was nominated for five Tony Awards.