Date of Birth

19 April 1978, Palo Alto, California, USA

Birth Name

James Edward Franco

Nickname

Ted, Teddy

Height

5' 10" (1.78 m)

Mini Biography

Best known for his breakthrough starring role on "Freaks and Geeks" (1999), James Franco was born in Palo Alto, California on April 19, 1978. Growing up with his two younger brothers, James graduated from Palo Alto high school in 1996 and went on to attend UCLA, majoring in English. To overcome his shyness, he got into acting while studying there, which, much to his parents' dismay, he left after only one year. After fifteen months of intensive study at Robert Carnegie's Playhouse West, James began actively pursuing his dream of finding work as an actor in Hollywood. In that short time, he landed himself a starring role on "Freaks and Geeks" (1999). The show, however, was not a hit to its viewers at the time, and was canceled after its first year. Now, it has become a cult-hit. Prior to joining "Freaks and Geeks" (1999), Franco starred in the TV miniseries _"To Serve and Protect" (1999) (mini). After that he had a starring role in Whatever It Takes (2000), which is where he met his future girlfriend, Marla Sokoloff.

Although he'd been working steadily, it wasn't until the TNT made-for-television movie, James Dean (2001) (TV) that James rose to fan-magazine fame and got to show off his talent. Since then he has been working non-stop. After losing the lead role to Tobey Maguire, James settled for the part of Harry Osborne, Spider-Man's best friend in the summer 2002 major hit Spider-Man (2002).

Next was Deuces Wild (2002) and City by the Sea (2002), in which Robert De Niro personally had him cast, after viewing his performance in James Dean (2001) (TV). Definitely growing out of his shyness James Franco is turning into a legend of his own.

Trivia

Auditioned for the role of Peter Parker in Spider-Man (2002), but was given the part of Harry Osbourne.

James appeared in two movies that premiered on the same day, Deuces Wild (2002) and Spider-Man (2002), both opening on May 3rd. The success of the two films was highly varied as Spider-Man film has to date amassed a box office gross some 67 times greater than that of Deuces.

He has two brothers, Tom and Dave Franco.

His parents are Betsy & Doug Franco

In his spare time he likes to paint

Was named one of People Magazine's 50 Hottest Bachelors [2004]

Has his own production company - Rabbit Bandini Productions.

Went by the name of Ted in high school and was voted "Best Smile" at Palo Alto High School

Shares a birthday with Hayden Christensen.

Was named one of Salon.com's "10 men who might just inspire the rebirth of Jewish male cool."

Although he always hated it, he started smoking for his lead role in "James Dean".

Is of Portuguese and Swedish heritage on his father's side, and of Russian Jewish heritage on his mother's side.

Worked with stunt coordinator Nick Powell in 2 movies both premiering in 2006: Tristan & Isolde and Annapolis.

Portuguese/Russian American.

Close friends with Tobey Maguire. He also used to "babysit" Tobey's daughter on the set of Spiderman 3.

His first overseas trip was to Australia to film The Great Raid.

In between films he has studied English Literature at UCLA, and will finally be graduating with his BA, June 2008.

His grandmother, Mitzie Verne, is an artist.

He admitted in an interview he did not get along with Busy Philipps on the set of "Freaks and Geeks" (1999).

Enrolled in Columbia University's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Writing Program for Fall 2008.

Personal Quotes

[About painting] "I needed an outlet in high school and came across painting. I've actually been painting longer than I've been acting. A movie is a collaborative effort, and with painting you just have yourself."

[About finding time to relax] "Never. It's an impossibility. I don't even like to sleep. I feel as if there's too much to do."

[About what he looks for in a girl] "Just someone I can relate to artistically and who can also be understanding and supportive of the demands of my lifestyle."

When I was a child, I wanted to be an actor, but I had really bad buck teeth. I didn't want to get braces, but my mom said I couldn't be an actor if I didn't get the braces. So, I got the braces.

I worked at a McDonald's drive-through. I could always tell when girls were interested: They'd drive around again and say, "I forgot something."

"Acting is an art form and you want to take roles that are challenged and it's more of a challenge I think to play dark characters. Not that I want to always play those, but it is a challenge and challenges are rewarding and fun."

"You know, directors kind of want different things. Some of them think that if they just are always talking to you and keeping your spirits up and everything that it helps you, and then some leave you alone and give you your space."

Salary

The Company (2003) 2,000,000

Where Are They Now

(May 2003) Has a movie due in December called _The Company_, co-starring Neve Campbell. Filming Spider Man II.

(March 2007) Filming the action comedy The Pineapple Express.

(2008) Enrolled in New York University's MFA program for creative writing in Tisch school of the arts

~ Updated: 2008-10-11 ~