Personal life of James Franco - biography, wife, children, photo

Childhood and youth

James Franco was born in Palo Alto, California. Doug Franco, James's father, is a native of Portugal who ran a business in Silicon Valley. Betsy Verne, the mother of the future movie star, was Jewish. It is known that the woman’s parents immigrated from Russia. Betsy wrote poems, short stories, and also worked as an editor for various publishing houses. In addition to James, two more children grew up in the family - younger sons Tom and David. The brothers try to keep in touch today. David later became an actor, better known in film circles as Dave Franco.

James Franco and his brother Dave Franco (still from the film "The Disaster Artist")

James studied at a comprehensive school, but his childhood period could not be called prosperous. At the age of 13, the boy first encountered representatives of the law. Over the next two years, the teenager was repeatedly arrested for drinking alcohol, causing obnoxious graffiti, and stealing perfume from a shopping center. For some time, the young man was even under the tutelage of the state, after which he pulled himself together, began to study well and stopped breaking the law.

He graduated from high school at Palo Alto High School, where he specialized in mathematics and even interned at the significant American aircraft manufacturing corporation Lockheed Martin. In addition, James participated in all of the school's drama productions.

James Franco in his youth (still from the film “At Any Cost”)

After graduating from high school in 1996, Franco entered the University of California at Los Angeles, where he planned to major in English language and literature. But the student took one course at the university and dropped out to study at Robert Carnegie’s acting courses at the Western Playhouse Theater. Another mentor of the future star was Ivana Chubbuck, who previously studied with Charlize Theron, Halle Berry and others.

Already acting in films, Franco returned to university, and in 2008 he was able to receive a bachelor's degree. In addition, he later graduated from Columbia University with a degree in playwriting and New York University, where he studied to become a director. James received another diploma from North Carolina College, where he took a course in poetry and literary creativity.

Star Trek

After fifteen months of training, James Franco realized that he could already participate in castings and auditions, and in 1999 he received his first role in Freaks and Geeks. He played his first leading role in 2000 in the film “At Any Cost.” Immediately after this, he was nominated for an Emmy and also received a Golden Globe for the title role in James Dean. As for his roles in the Spider-Man films, James Franco was initially considered for the lead role, but was eventually cast as the son of the evil green goblin, Harry Osborn. After the first successful part, Franco starred in the next three films. In 2008, James finally graduated from the University of California, receiving a bachelor's degree. James Franco immediately moved to New York City to pursue his MFA in Literature at Columbia University and at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he is currently studying filmmaking. 2010 was truly a stellar year for James Franco: he played one of the main roles in the film Eat, Pray, Love, one of the most anticipated premieres of the year. In November of the same year, it became known that Frank James, together with actress Anne Hathaway, would host the 2011 Academy Awards ceremony. At the beginning of 2011, a film was released that practically became a benefit performance for the young actor - the psychological drama “127 Hours”, where James spends 90% of the film alone in the frame.

Movies

James's first episodic appearances on screen were recorded in the television films and series “Cops on Bicycles,” “1997,” “To Serve and Protect,” “Profiler” and others. The actor's first major role came in the teen series Freaks and Geeks. Franco starred in 18 episodes of this film, but the film did not gain popularity. This is how the actor’s biography in cinema began.

James Franco (still from the film "James Dean")

The artist made his debut on the big screen in the lyrical drama “Never Been Kissed”, and played his first prominent role in the youth comedy “At Any Cost” in 2000.

The popularity and growth of his acting career occurred at the beginning of the new millennium. In 2001, James played the main role in the biographical film “James Dean” about the childhood and youth of the famous American actor. For his deep understanding of the psychology of a famous person, Franco received many rave reviews from film critics, and was also awarded a Golden Globe Award and nominated for an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

James Franco's performance as Harry Osborn in the 2002 film adaptation of the Spider-Man comic received even greater resonance. In 2004 and 2007, 2 sequels of this film were released, where the actor’s talent is revealed even more significantly.

James Franco (still from the movie "Spider-Man")

In the first decade of the 21st century, one can highlight the psychological drama “Lamarck’s Last Case”, where Robert de Niro became his partner, the military action drama “The Great Raid”, the melodrama “Tristan and Isolde” and the military sports drama “The Duel”. Interestingly, in order to film the action movie Lafayette Squadron, James had to undergo training and obtain a pilot’s license in 2006.

In 2008, another successful film was released - the comedy “Pineapple Express: I’m Sitting and Smoking,” for which James Franco was nominated for a Golden Globe. And for the supporting role of Scott Smith in the biographical film Harvey Milk, the actor received the Independent Spirit Award. These works were appreciated by film critics and television viewers.

Notable projects in the artist’s filmography were the action comedy “The Interview” and the film adaptation of William Faulkner’s novel “The Sound and the Fury.”

James Franco (still from the movie "Spring Breakers")

Also in 2009, James Franco made his directorial debut with the short film Steven's Feast. For this work, the film actor received the Teddy Award at the 60th Berlin Film Festival. Soon, the artist's filmography is replenished with a comedic role in the crime adventure film "Spring Breakers", where James appeared in the image of a dealer in illegal substances and weapons, who meets a group of young students played by Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson and Vanessa Hudgens.

Fans of Franco watch his performance in the popular Hollywood films “Eat, Pray, Love”, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, “The Broken Tower”. James uses all facets of his artistic talent, embodying different characters equally convincingly on screen.

Amanda Seyfried and James Franco (still from the movie "Lovelace")

In 2013, Franco appeared in the biographical drama Lovelace, where he played Playboy magazine editor Hugh Hefner. With the participation of the screen star, the premiere of the fantasy film “Oz the Great and Powerful” took place, in which the performer appeared in an ensemble cast with Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz.

A little later, the film “The Ridicule of James Franco” was released. The jokes made about the actor were enthusiastically received by viewers. In November of the same year, the artist, together with famous screenwriter Seth Rogen, filmed a parody of rapper Kanye West's video. James and Seth called their video Bound 3.

Seth Rogen and James Franco - Bound 3

2013 turned out to be a fruitful year for James Franco's directorial efforts. He releases the film “When I Lay Dying,” in which he plays the main character, the insane Darl, as well as the documentary “Interior. Leather Bar" and the psychological drama "Child of God". Unlike his acting work, which includes many comedic characters, James the director is interested in serious stories that allow him to take a fresh look at human nature. Such films were “The Sound and the Fury”, “Bukowski”, “Zeroville”.

One of the brightest films of 2020 was the drama “My Name is Michael,” in which the artist appeared in the image of the hero Michael Glatz. Franco's character considered himself homosexual for a long time, but in adulthood he married a girl, Rebecca (Emma Roberts), and began the preaching path of a Christian pastor. Zachary Quinto also appeared in the film.

Avan Jogia and James Franco (still from the movie “My Name is Michael”)

In 2020, the film “Why Him?” was released. The new comedy, directed by John Hamburg, tells the story of the meeting of the head of the family with his daughter’s boyfriend, the eccentric Silicon Valley millionaire Laird Mayhew. The role of the latter was played by James Franco.

Also in 2016, Franco took part in the filming of the film Alien: Covenant. The actor got the role of captain of the Covenant Jacob Branson. The film tells the story of a spaceship crew who discovered a planet that is an unknown “Paradise.” The film became a sequel to the film “Prometheus” and the 5th film in the fantastic franchise about the “Aliens” universe. The director of the long-awaited film was Ridley Scott, who directed the first part of the popular action film back in 1979.

James Franco (still from the movie "Alien: Covenant")

Of course, the main premiere of the year was the screening of the comedy drama “The Disaster Artist,” where James acted as the director of the project and the leading actor. His brother Dave became his co-star. They tried on the images of the director and actor of the Hollywood film, recognized as the worst film of all time. Franco's film was highly praised by film critics.

Acting works

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

USA, 2011.
Science fiction, action, adventure, drama.
Duration: 105 minutes.
IMDb: 7.6.

A scientist is testing a new drug for Alzheimer's disease on primates. During the tests, it turns out that the medicine has a strange side effect - the monkeys' intelligence increases several times. After this, the primates no longer want to be experimental animals and start a revolution.

Watch on iTunes → Watch on Google Play →

127 hours

127 Hours

USA, 2010.
Drama, thriller.
Duration: 97 minutes.
IMDb: 7.6.

An adventure lover and experienced rock climber once again goes to the mountains to test himself. But he finds himself in a death trap, where he must survive for 127 hours without food, water or any hope of salvation.

Watch on iTunes → Watch on Google Play →

James Dean

USA, 2001.
Drama, biography.
Duration: 120 minutes.
IMDb: 7.4.

A biographical drama about the life and death of one of the most stylish and brilliant actors of the first half of the 20th century. James Franco plays the role of rebel and car lover James Dean perfectly.

One of Franco's first roles showed that he can perfectly copy the images of real people. Subsequently, he starred in many more biographical films.

Spider-Man

USA, 2002.
Superhero action, fantasy.
Duration: 121 minutes.
IMDb: 7.3.

An ordinary teenager, Peter Parker, is bitten by a mutated spider. From that moment on, he becomes the superhero Spider-Man and decides to defend his city. But he is confronted by a very dangerous villain - the Green Goblin.

It was after the role of Peter Parker's best friend, Harry Osborn, that James Franco gained universal popularity.

Watch on iTunes → Watch on Google Play →

Spider-Man 2

USA, 2004.
Superhero action, fantasy.
Duration: 127 minutes.
IMDb: 7.3.

Peter Parker continues to protect his city and defeat supervillains. But it becomes increasingly difficult for him to combine ordinary life with the exploits of Spider-Man. Suddenly he discovers that his strength has begun to disappear. And just at this time, the distraught scientist Otto Octavius appears in the city.

In this film, the positive Harry Osborn was reincarnated into the new Green Goblin, obsessed with revenge on Spider-Man. And Franco perfectly managed to show a man who becomes a villain out of grief.

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Mad Whale

The Mad Whale

USA, 2020.
Thriller, drama.
Duration: 99 minutes.
IMDb: 7.2.

At the end of the 19th century, a women’s psychiatric hospital decided to stage a play based on the famous book “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. At the same time, only completely insane patients are cast in all roles.

Pineapple Express: I'm sitting and smoking

Pineapple Express

USA, 2008.
Black comedy.
Duration: 111 minutes.
IMDb: 7.0.

25-year-old courier Dale Denton delivers subpoenas to people. And to relax, he regularly smokes weed. One day, Dale witnesses mafia leaders killing their competitors. The hero tries to hide, but accidentally drops a joint of a new variety of weed, “Pineapple Express,” which leads directly to his dealer.

One of the most successful results of the collaboration and friendship of James Franco and actor and director Seth Rogen. Together, this couple repeatedly made excellent, outrageous films.

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If tomorrow comes

If Tomorrow Comes

USA, 2000.
Drama.
Duration: 90 minutes.
IMDb: 6.9.

Dreamer Adam wants to create a wonderful life for his parents. He borrows money from a moneylender to buy a house for them, but he is unable to repay the debt on time. And now Adam and his best friend Devin find themselves in great danger.

Tristan and Isolde

Tristan & Isolde

USA, 2006.
Melodrama.
Duration: 125 minutes.
IMDb: 6.8.

This film reimagines the famous medieval legend. Tristan falls in love with Isolde, who is to marry Lord Mark, Tristan's uncle. The heroes have to choose between their feelings and duty, because the truce between their kingdoms depends on this marriage.

Scream

Howl

USA, 2010.
Drama.
Duration: 85 minutes.
IMDb: 6.8.

Another biographical drama. The film tells about the life and work of the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. The main plot line is dedicated to the prosecution of the poet after the publication in 1956 of his scandalous poem “Howl”.

Great Raid

The Great Raid

USA, 2005.
Action, drama, war.
Duration: 132 minutes.
IMDb: 6.7.

In early 1945, Colonel Henry Mucci is tasked with rescuing 500 American troops imprisoned in a camp in the Philippines. Before he and his battalion get into real danger, they will have to undergo training that is as brutal as real warfare.

Watch on iTunes → Watch on Google Play →

End of the world 2013: Apocalypse Hollywood style

This Is the End

USA, 2013.
Black comedy.
Duration: 106 minutes.
IMDb: 6.6.

Jay Baruchel comes to visit his friend Seth Rogen. He invites him to a party hosted by James Franco. Many celebrities gather there, but Baruchel feels insecure because he does not know them personally. As a result, Rogen and his friend go to the store to buy cigarettes, but a real apocalypse begins around them.

James Franco and Seth Rogen are working together again, with all the famous actors playing themselves in this film. It turned out to be a fun “cabbage party”, where Franco acted as the host of the party.

Watch on iTunes → Watch on Google Play →

Personal life

In his youth, James Franco dated actress Marla Sokoloff for more than 4 years. Then for about a year the actor was together with model Ashley Artman.

Since the beginning of 2006, actress Ana O'Reilly appeared in the man's life. The couple was together for 5 years, but the girl never became the official wife of the actor. At the end of 2011, they announced the end of their relationship. One of the main reasons for the separation, James and Anna named the small amount of time that they could spend with each other due to their busy work schedule.

Embed from Getty Images James Franco and Marla Sokoloff

In addition to acting and directing, James has also mastered writing. Several of Franco's literary works have already been published - “Stories from Palo Alto”, “A California Childhood”, “The Dangerous Book of Four Boys”, “Anonymous Actors”, “Directing Herbert White” and “The Greatest Disorder”.

Information has repeatedly appeared in the press that James Franco is gay, because the actor has played a large number of gay and bisexual characters throughout his career. Franco called his interest in gay culture an “artistic passion for homosexuality.” We were talking about those films that the actor made himself, and about his roles in projects of other directors. The man himself considers such rumors part of his image.

Embed from Getty Images James Franco and Ahna O'Reilly

In interviews, Franco has repeatedly said that he admires the talent of singer Lana Del Rey. According to the actor, he is ready to write a book about the famous girl. James also didn't mind marrying her.

In 2016, Franco surprised fans by dyeing his hair pink and turquoise. He published a photo in his new look on Instagram. This is not the first experiment in the star’s biography. Before this, the actor dyed his hair red. He decided to make such radical changes to participate in the video of rapper Riff Raff. Fans still called Franco's participation in such a video a complete failure.

Embed from Getty Images James Franco and Isabelle Pakzad

The celebrity monitors his physical shape (James is 180 cm tall, weighs 75-76 kg) and pays attention to modern fashion trends. The artist has long been the face of the Gucci perfume company and advertises their fragrance Gucci By Gucci Pour Homme.

In May 2020, media reported that the American fashion house Coach began collaborating with James Franco. The actor became the face of the new men's fragrance Coach for men.

In the same year, they started talking about the actor’s new serious novel. His chosen one was a young student, Isabel Pakzad, who works as a television editor. Before this, the artist’s personal life did not work out for 6 years. The artist officially announced his relationship with his girlfriend at the premiere of the Broadway play Straight White Men, which took place in mid-2018.

Embed from Getty Images James Franco and Isabelle Pakzad

The relationship with Isabelle was not affected by the sex scandal that James got into at the beginning of 2020. As part of the Me Too campaign, 5 women, including actresses Ally Sheedy, Sarah Titem-Kaplan, and Violet Paley, accused the star of sexual harassment. The incident occurred after the actor's participation in the Golden Globe awards ceremony. Screen star Sharon Stone came to the defense of her colleague. The artist believes that the sexual advances of many men are due to their inability to win female attention, and stupidity is not worth ruining the reputation and career of colleagues.

Despite the fact that James planned to enter the fight for the Oscar with the project “The Disaster Artist,” his name was removed from the list of nominees for the main prize of the year. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, the artist denied all accusations, although he expressed respect for those women who are not afraid to speak out. The sex scandal did not radically affect the man’s career and personal life.

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James Franco now

The artist’s repertoire is replete with the names of new projects with his participation. In 2018, he managed to star in the series “Deuce”, the action film “The World of the Future”, the fantasy film “Kin” and the Coen brothers’ western “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”.

Embed from Getty Images James Franco in 2020

In 2020, the premieres of the drama “The Long Home” and the horror film “Bloody Surf” have been announced, in which Franco will again appear in the foreground. Now he is preparing to work in the adventure film “Multiplier” and the drama “Drunken Fireworks”, with the creators of which he has already signed contracts.

Actor career

Franco only needed 15 months of training to start auditions in Los Angeles - he already had plenty of courage and confidence. The first major role arrived in 1999 - James played the main role in the youth television series about colleges of the 80s, “Hooligans and Nerds.” The serial film did not last long, but critics managed to appreciate the work of the young charming actor. By the way, this film stars the future star of the TV series “How I Met Your Mother” Jason Segel and Franco’s friend, comedian Seth Rogen.

James Franco in the television series "Hooligans and Geeks"

The main role in the film was not long in coming - however, it was a simple youth comedy “At Any Cost”, which did not deserve the attention of the audience.

James Franco in the comedy "At Any Cost"

Fortunately, Franco did not become a hostage to cheap, primitive comedies and very soon was able to truly open up. It was a challenging role, because James played a real-life celebrity, an iconic figure of the 50s - Hollywood actor James Dean, who tragically died in a car accident when he was only 24 years old. At the same time, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp wanted to get the role in the film “James Dean,” but in the end it was James Franco who was chosen.

James Franco in the movie James Dean

Franco portrayed not only the rebellious icon of that time, but also managed to penetrate into the psychology of his hero - proud and aloof on the outside and broken and vulnerable on the inside. The most surprising thing is that the external similarity between Franco and Dean turned out to be simply amazing. For such a successful portrayal of the character in every sense, the actor received a Golden Globe Award and received nominations for the Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Awards.

James Franco in the movie "Spider-Man"

The general public also learned about Franco very soon - the actor played Harry Osborn, the son of the Green Goblin Norman Osborn, in the first part of the superhero film Spider-Man. Interestingly, James was initially in contention for the role of Peter Parker himself, but Tobey Maguire was eventually approved for the role. The villain played by Franco turned out to be very charming, and the film was so successful that James starred in the next two films of the trilogy in 2004 and 2007.

James Franco and Robert De Niro in the drama "Lamarck's Last Case"

In 2002, Franco played in the drama Lamarck's Last Case with Robert De Niro and Frances McDormand, after which he starred in Robert Altman's Troupe with Neve Campbell and Malcolm McDowell.

James Franco and Sophia Myles in the film "Tristan and Isolde"

Another successful role in Franco’s role was in the film adaptation of the famous medieval legend “Tristan and Isolde.” The actor's partner was the English actress Sophia Myles - the love story of an Irish princess and a British knight, performed by them, was told very heartfeltly.

James Franco in the film Lafayette Squadron

This period is very fruitful in Franco’s creative biography. It is quite common for him to participate in 5-6 projects per year at once, while almost every role for him is a challenge and something new. For example, in order to convincingly play a pilot in the film Lafayette Escadrille, James and the Blue Angels stunt team underwent training and received a real pilot's license.

James Franco and Seth Rogen

In 2008, James got the role of drug dealer Saul in the comedy film Pineapple Express: Sitting and Smoking. The co-writer of the film's script and the actor's longtime acquaintance, Seth Rogen, became his partner on the set. Franco's performance was rewarded with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. In September 2008, Franco, who has remarkable comedic talent, was entrusted with hosting Saturday Night Live.

In September 2008, James Franco became the host of Saturday Night Live.

James also succeeded in his other experiment: in 2008, he played in the biographical gay drama “Harvey Milk” by Gus Van Sant, where he portrayed Scott Smith, the lover of the famous politician Harvey Milk. For his work, Franco was awarded the Independent Spirit Award as best supporting actor. In 2010, Franco played practically in a one-man show - he portrayed the beat writer Allen Ginsberg in the drama "Howl", dedicated to the poet's most scandalous poem.

James Franco in the film "Harvey Milk"

At the end of 2010, James Franco learned that he would be hosting the prestigious Oscars the following year. The producers of the festival justified their choice as follows: “Anne Hathaway and James Franco represent a new generation of Hollywood film symbols. They are energetic, full of strength and multi-talented. We hope the awards ceremony will help showcase their incredible abilities.” Franco fulfilled his obligations with dignity - the ceremony with his participation pleasantly surprised everyone. James Franco in the film “127 Hours” (trailer) Another noteworthy role played by Franco is in the drama based on real events, “127 Hours” by British director Danny Boyle. Here James frayed the nerves of all claustrophobes, because for the lion's share of the film his hero is in the gorge, in which he got stuck by accident. The development of the plot and Franco's very realistic performance keep the viewer in suspense throughout the entire film.

James Franco in the film "Oz the Great and Powerful"

In the following years, Franco continued to act just as actively, and in 2013 he pleased fans of fantasy and fairy tales by L.F. Baum in the film "Oz the Great and Powerful." This story is a prequel to the plot of The Wizard of Oz about how Oz conquered the Emerald City. The witches - good and evil - were played by such actresses as Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis. It is also worth noting Franco’s acting work in the theatrical production of “Of Mice and Men” based on the story by John Steinbeck - by the way, the actor loves working with literary material.

But with the satirical film about Kim Jong-un “The Interview” by Seth Rogen, where Franco played one of the main roles, the actors had problems. Sony Pictures suffered hacker attacks with threats and demands not to release the film. The premiere of the film was postponed for some time, and at the end of the same year, 2014, “The Interview” was released in a limited number of cinemas and became available for viewing on the Internet. The scandal made the film a good advertisement - within 24 hours the comedy was downloaded by almost a million Internet users.

"Interview". Trailer The role in the mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King “11.22.63” about the events preceding the death of John Kennedy and the possibilities of preventing it can be considered significant in his career. In the same year, Franco again appeared in a comedic role, playing an Internet tycoon in the film “Why Him?” with Bryan Cranston and Zoey Deutch.

James Franco and Bryan Cranston in Why Him?

James Franco has voiced popular cartoons more than once - for example, in 2015 he voiced the Fox in The Little Prince, and in 2016 he voiced one of the characters in Complete Sausage.