Born in Palo Alto, CA on April 19, 1978, rising star James Franco grew up in an artistic family that encouraged his considerable talents, which range from acting to painting to screenwriting. After graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1996, Franco entered UCLA as an English major but dropped out after one year to pursue a professional acting career. Within two years the charming youngster was cast in a lead role in the short-lived television comedy series “Freaks and Geeks”, which despite lasting only 18 episodes has become a cult hit on DVD. He also appeared alongside Drew Barrymore, Michael Vartan, and John C. Reilly in the romantic comedy hit “Never Been Kissed”.
“Freaks and Geeks” at least raised Franco’s profile, and he was ultimately cast in the acclaimed TV film “James Dean” in the starring role. Franco’s incredible physical resemblance to the late superstar was obviously the main factor in landing the part, but he nonetheless gave an impeccable performance as the tragic 50s heartthrob that earned him a Golden Globe award. This performance led to consideration for the title role in 2002’s “Spider-Man”, which eventually went to Tobey Maguire. The producers knew he would be an asset to the film in any capacity, and ended up giving him the meaty role of Peter Parker’s best friend Harry Osborn, a role he reprised in the film’s sequel and the upcoming “Spider-Man 3”.
Franco has given powerful performances in a slew of projects beyond the acclaimed, mega-grossing “Spider-Man” franchise. In 2002 he starred in the title role of Nicolas Cage’s directorial project “Sonny”, and the following year appeared in three films including “City by the Sea” with Robert De Niro and Frances McDormand, as well as Robert Altman’s “The Company” with Neve Campbell. He appeared in a whopping six films in 2006, with starring roles in “Flyboys”, “Tristan + Isolde”, and “Annapolis”. His 2007 slate is just as intense, with the aforementioned “Spider-Man 3” and other films including the Sundance hit “An American Crime” with Catherine Keener, a co-starring turn with Sienna Miller in “Camille”, and Paul Haggis’s “In the Valley of Elah” with Charlize Theron and Tommy Lee Jones. Additionally, Franco will unveil his debut as a writer-director later this year in the form of “Good Time Max”, in which he also stars. That’s a pretty impressive (not to mention prolific) slate for such a young actor – one that is sure to raise his profile in Hollywood for decades to come.