James Franco

James Franco was born on April 19, 1978 in California. After being trained in acting for 15 months, his first role was in a commercial for Pizza Hut. In 1999, he landed a role in the cult TV series Freaks and Geeks, but it was soon cancelled. He made his film debut with a small character in Never Been Kissed and followed it with another forgettable role in Whatever It Takes. He later played the title role in the biographical film James Dean (2001) and won a Golden Globe Award for his performance.

james franco

James Franco as James Dean.

James played Harry Osborn in Spider-Man (2002) and in its sequels in 2004 and 2007. The role brought him closer to the audience. Later in 2002, he played a drug addict in City by the Sea; his acting got recognition, but the movie was a commercial failure. The next year, he was cast in The Company that was based on the real-life stories told by many choreographers and dancers.

Franco delivered a splendid performance as Capt. Robert Prince in The Great Raid (2005) which was based on the true story of American soldiers who tried to free the war prisoners in Philippines during World War II. He went on to act in another war film Flyboys (2006). The movie had some breathtaking air battles, and Franco did his best to portray Blaine Rawlings, one of the first pilots of America. After playing minor roles for a brief period, James played Saul Saunders, a funny drug dealer in the out-and-out comedy flick Pineapple Express (2008) The same year, he continued his excellent work in Milk as Scott Smith, the lover of Harvey Milk, a politician and gay rights activist.

julie harris and james dean

Franco in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Franco displayed his method acting skills when he played the American poet Allen Ginsberg in Howl (2010). Later that year, he delivered his career-best performance in 127 Hours that was based on true events. His played Aron Ralston, an American outdoorsman that got trapped in a slot canyon and cut his own hand to free himself. This performance earned him nominations for a series of awards including the Academy Award for Best Actor. His role in the 2011 film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, as man who shows compassion for his pet chimpanzee was impressive. In 2012, he starred in a leading role in the surprise-hit Spring Breakers. His continued success secured him the title role in the fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).

Apart from acting, James Franco teaches at the University of Southern California. He is pursuing his PhD at Yale University. James may not be in the league of top actors, but given his passion for acting, it cannot be denied that the 35 year old actor could surely be there very soon.

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