James Franco, born on April 19, 1978, in Palo Alto, California, is an American actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in film and television. He gained prominence with his portrayal of Harry Osborn in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy (2002–2007) .
Throughout his career, Franco has taken on a variety of roles, including:
- “James Dean” (2001): He earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his depiction of the iconic actor.
- “127 Hours” (2010): Franco portrayed Aron Ralston, an adventurer who became trapped by a boulder, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
- “The Disaster Artist” (2017): He directed and starred as Tommy Wiseau, the enigmatic filmmaker behind the cult film “The Room,” a role that garnered him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy .
In addition to acting, Franco has pursued careers in directing, writing, and producing, working on numerous independent projects that often explore the intersection of film and fine art .
However, Franco’s career faced significant challenges following allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2019, a lawsuit accused him of exploiting female students at his acting school, Studio 4. He settled the lawsuit in 2021 for $2.235 million and acknowledged engaging in inappropriate relationships with students . This controversy also impacted his personal relationships, notably ending his long-standing friendship with actor Seth Rogen .
Despite these setbacks, Franco has gradually returned to acting. His latest project, “Hey Joe,” is an Italian drama in which he portrays an American World War II veteran searching for his son in 1970s Naples. The film premiered at the Rome Film Festival in late 2024 .
For a glimpse of his recent work, here’s the trailer for “Together” (2025), starring James Franco and Allison Brie: