James Franco Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

James Franco            

Actor and Filmmaker; Known for "Oz the Great and Powerful" and "Spider-Man"

James Franco landed his breakthrough role in the NBC series "Freaks and Geeks" in 1999. He made his film debut in 1999’s "Never Been Kissed", followed by the 2000 romantic comedy "Whatever It Takes." His performance in 2001's TNT cable biopic "James Dean" earned him a 2002 Golden Globe for best actor. Franco later took a role in the "Spider-Man" film franchise.

He briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied English and drama, before dropping out in his freshman year to pursue a career as an actor. Franco returned to UCLA and earned his undergraduate degree in 2008. He moved to New York City where he worked toward his MFA at Columbia and attended New York Univeristy's Tisch School of the Arts for filmmaking. He also attended Yale University in pursuit of a PhD in their English program.

After 15 months of intensive study with noted drama coach Robert Carnegie at Playhouse West, Franco landed his breakthrough starring role in the critically acclaimed but short-lived NBC series "Freaks and Geeks" in 1999. Franco then took on the role of Harry Osborne, the son of the villainous Green Goblin, in the "Spider-Man" films.

He next starred in "Pineapple Express," a stoner comedy co-starring and co-written by Seth Rogen and produced by Judd Apatow. His performance earned him a second Golden Globe nomination, for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Franco starred opposite Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch in Gus Van Sant's "Milk." In the film, he played Scott Smith, the boyfriend of Harvey Milk (Penn).

In late 2009, he joined the cast of the daytime soap opera "General Hospital" on a recurring basis. Franco began 2010 by making an appearance on the sitcom "30 Rock" where he played himself and carried on a fake romance with Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) in a scheme concocted by their respective agents. After appearing in the commercial successes "Date Night," an action comedy, and "Eat Pray Love," an adaption of the novel, Franco played poet Allen Ginsberg in the drama "Howl."

In his next project, "127 Hours," Franco portrayed real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston. He was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG award, as well as winning an Independent Spirit Award.

In May 2010, he was cast to star in Rupert Wyatt's $93 million budgeted "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," a reboot of the "Planet of the Apes" series. He then starred in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." In 2013, Franco starred as the gangster "Alien" in Harmony Korine's "Spring Breakers," with Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Gucci Mane and Rachel Korine.

In March 2013, it was announced that Franco was set to make his Broadway stage debut in the role of George in a revival of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."

In 2010, Franco published a collection of short stories, "Palo Alto." The book is named after the California city where Franco grew up and is dedicated to many of the writers he worked with at Brooklyn College.

News


James Franco Interviews Nicolas Winding Refn On His Career ...
The friends and collaborators discuss all of Refn's controversial films.
James Franco Says He's 'A Little Gay' | TIME
James Franco's sexuality has been the subject of much speculation, including by James Franco; the actor/artist/author once conducted an interview between his ...
The Mystery of James Franco: Inside His Manic Days, Sleepless ...
James Franco is working on a dozen movies, teaching film, writing a novel – and still has time to paint hummingbirds. Read our candid cover story.
James Franco, Sundance's John Cooper Tapped for Outfest Awards ...
Outfest has announced that James Franco and Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper will receive the festival's honorary awards.
Actor-director James Franco named 2016 convocation speaker
Critically acclaimed actor James Franco, best known for his roles as James Dean, adventurer Aron Ralston and in the “Spider-Man” trilogy, will give the keynote address at this year’s Senior Convocation on Saturday, May 28, during Cornell’s 148th Commencement Weekend.
James Franco will speak at Cornell’s graduation this May
James Franco has been selected to address Cornell’s class of 2016 during convocation on May 29th.
Show more news
James Franco To Direct Stripper Saga ‘Zola Tells All’
James Franco, Andrew Neel and Killer Films are set to re-team for an adaption of Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind The Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted, based on a Rolling Stone article by David Kushner. Franco will direct a script by Neel and Mike Roberts. The pic is based on a 148-tweet travelogue about a trip taken to Florida by Aziah “Zola” Wells, who went with her friend Jessica and her boyfriend, as well as Jessica’s violent pimp, named Z. Kushner wrote about the event in the magazine in November.
James Franco Roast: Funny Jokes From Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen ...
James Franco faced a comedic firing squad last night during Comedy Central's Roast of James Franco. Seth Rogen led a who's who of the actor's friends.
James Franco Roast: Funny Jokes From Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen ...
James Franco faced a comedic firing squad last night during Comedy Central's Roast of James Franco. Seth Rogen led a who's who of the actor's friends.
James Franco Confirms His Broadway Debut in Of Mice and Men ...
Though he's mastered the film world, James Franco has officially confirmed that he will make his Broadway debut playing George in Of Mice and Men.
James Franco Helps Fan Get Back at Her Ex-Boyfriend: PDA Picture ...
See an exclusive photo of James Franco helping a female fan get back at her ex- boyfriend.
Show less news

Related Speakers View all


More like James