Rise to Success: Career Highlights of James Franco
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how James Franco made an impact.
James Franco is an American actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in both mainstream and independent cinema. He gained recognition for his roles in the Spider-Man trilogy, Milk, and 127 Hours, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, appearing in comedies like Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. Franco won a Golden Globe for his performance in The Disaster Artist, which he also directed. Beyond acting, he has directed and produced numerous films.
1999: First Prominent TV Role in Freaks and Geeks
In 1999, James Franco played Daniel Desario on the television show Freaks and Geeks.
1999: Cast in Freaks and Geeks
In 1999, James Franco was cast in a leading role on the NBC television series Freaks and Geeks.
2000: Freaks and Geeks Ended
In 2000, Freaks and Geeks ended. It later developed a cult following.
2000: Acted in Whatever It Takes
In 2000, James Franco played Chris in Whatever It Takes.
2001: Portrayal of James Dean
In 2001, James Franco portrayed James Dean in a biographical film, winning a Golden Globe Award and receiving nominations for other awards.
2001: Cast as James Dean in TV biographical film
In 2001, James Franco was cast as James Dean in director Mark Rydell's TV biographical film James Dean. He received a Golden Globe Award and nominations for an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) for his performance.
2002: Gained Fame in Spider-Man
In 2002, James Franco achieved worldwide fame and attention in the superhero film Spider-Man, playing Harry Osborn.
2002: Starred in Sonny and City by the Sea
In 2002, James Franco starred in Sonny, directed by Nicolas Cage, and played a drug addict in City by the Sea after Robert De Niro saw his work in James Dean.
2003: Co-starred in The Company
In 2003, James Franco co-starred with Neve Campbell in Robert Altman's ballet movie The Company.
2004: Reprised Role in Spider-Man 2
In 2004, James Franco reprised his role in Spider-Man 2.
2005: Starred in The Ape and The Great Raid
In 2005, James Franco made and starred in The Ape and the war film The Great Raid.
February 11, 2006: Paintings displayed publicly for the first time
On February 11, 2006, James Franco's paintings were displayed publicly for the first time at the Glü Gallery in Los Angeles, the exhibit had started on January 7.
September 2006: Released Flyboys and Appeared in The Wicker Man
In September 2006, Flyboys was released and James Franco appeared briefly in The Wicker Man.
2007: Starred in Spider-Man 3, Knocked Up, Camille, and Interview
In 2007, James Franco played Harry Osborn in Spider-Man 3, made a cameo appearance in Knocked Up, co-starred in Camille, and appeared in a voice-only role in Interview. He also wrote, directed, and starred in Good Time Max.
2007: Starring in Spider-Man 3
In 2007, James Franco reprised his role as Harry Osborn in Spider-Man 3. He also made cameo appearances in Knocked Up.
September 20, 2008: Hosted Saturday Night Live
On September 20, 2008, James Franco hosted the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).
2008: Starred in Milk
In 2008, James Franco starred in Gus Van Sant's Milk.
2008: Starring in Milk and Pineapple Express
In 2008, James Franco starred in Milk and Pineapple Express.
2008: Starred in Pineapple Express and hosted SNL
In 2008, James Franco starred in Pineapple Express and hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) on September 20, 2008.
2008: Named Face of Gucci's Men's Fragrance Line
In 2008, James Franco was named as the face of Gucci's men's fragrance line.
June 12, 2009: Withdrawal from UCLA Commencement Speech
On June 12, 2009, James Franco was selected as the commencement speaker at UCLA, but withdrew citing a date conflict with location pre-production on a film.
December 19, 2009: Hosted Saturday Night Live Again
On December 19, 2009, James Franco hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the second time.
2009: Recurring Role on General Hospital
In 2009, James Franco had a recurring role on General Hospital.
2009: Joined General Hospital
In late 2009, James Franco joined the cast of the daytime soap opera General Hospital on a recurring basis, playing Franco, a multimedia artist.
May 2010: Cast in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
In May 2010, James Franco was cast to star in Rupert Wyatt's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes".
May 2010: Short Films Presented at Maryland Film Festival
In May 2010, James Franco's short films as director "The Feast of Stephen" and "Herbert White" were both presented within Maryland Film Festival.
June 2010: Solo Exhibition "The Dangerous Book Four Boys"
In June 2010, James Franco presented his first solo exhibition, "The Dangerous Book Four Boys", at The Clocktower Gallery in New York City. The show featured video, drawings, sculptures, and installation.
September 2010: Franco Acquires Rights to The Adderall Diaries
In September 2010, James Franco acquired the rights to Stephen Elliott's "The Adderall Diaries", with plans to adapt, direct, and star in the film.
October 19, 2010: Publication of Palo Alto
On October 19, 2010, Scribner published "Palo Alto", a collection of short stories by James Franco.
November 5, 2010: Limited release of 127 Hours
On November 5, 2010, "127 Hours", directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco as Aron Ralston, was given a limited release. The film focuses on Ralston's struggle to survive after his hand becomes trapped under a boulder, and his eventual amputation of his arm.
2010: Appearance on 30 Rock and roles in Date Night, Eat Pray Love and Howl
In 2010, James Franco appeared on the sitcom "30 Rock" playing himself and having a fake romance with Jenna Maroney. He also starred in the commercial successes "Date Night" and "Eat Pray Love", and played Allen Ginsberg in the drama "Howl", which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2010.
2010: Directing Herbert White Short Film
In 2010, James Franco made a short film for the poem (made by Franco into a 2010 short film) by Frank Bidart
2010: Documentary Saturday Night and Museum Exhibits
In 2010, James Franco produced and directed a documentary titled "Saturday Night". Also in the summer of 2010, the fictional Franco from "General Hospital" held an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, while the real Franco held an exhibit at the museum based on his experiences on the soap opera.
2010: Starring in Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours
In 2010, James Franco starred in Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours.
January 2011: Franco plans to direct and star in The Night Stalker
In January 2011, James Franco announced plans to direct and star in "The Night Stalker", a film based on Philip Carlo's book about serial killer Richard Ramirez.
January 2011: Screening of Three's Company The Drama at Sundance Film Festival
In January 2011, James Franco screened his multimedia project, "Three's Company The Drama", at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
January 2011: Franco Honored at Art of Elysium Heaven Gala
In January 2011, James Franco was honored at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Los Angeles for his volunteer work with the charity, which helps children with serious medical conditions. He received the Spirit of Elysium accolade.
January 26, 2011: Satirical Video on Funny or Die
On January 26, 2011, James Franco and the Harvard Lampoon released a satirical video on Funny or Die mocking his last-minute cancellation of the UCLA commencement speech.
February 23, 2011: Cameo appearance on Minute to Win It
On February 23, 2011, James Franco made a cameo appearance on NBC's "Minute to Win It", where Aron Ralston was participating as a contestant playing for charity.
February 27, 2011: Hosting the 83rd Academy Awards
On February 27, 2011, James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway. The choice of Franco and Hathaway was meant to attract a younger demographic, but Franco's performance was largely criticized for his perceived lack of enthusiasm and energy. The show itself received negative reviews, and Franco addressed the criticism in later interviews, discussing his lack of high expectations for the job and denying allegations of being under the influence.
March 31, 2011: "An Evening with James Franco" Benefit Dinner
On March 31, 2011, James Franco participated in "An Evening with James Franco", a Washington D.C. dinner benefit for 826DC, a non-profit after-school literature program. He spoke about the need for more originality in school literature programs.
April 2011: Franco Autographs T-shirt for Tsunami Relief
In April 2011, James Franco autographed a T-shirt to be auctioned off through the Yoshiki Foundation, with the proceeds being donated for Japanese tsunami relief.
July 2011: Filming Begins for Oz the Great and Powerful
In July 2011, filming began for "Oz the Great and Powerful", starring James Franco.
August 5, 2011: Release of Rise of the Planet of the Apes
On August 5, 2011, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", a reboot of the Planet of the Apes series starring James Franco, was released.
2011: First European Art Exhibition
In 2011, James Franco launched his first European art exhibition at Peres Projects in Berlin.
2011: Directorial Debut and Filmmaking Ventures
In 2011, James Franco made his dance-theater directorial debut with "Collage" at Stella Adler Studios in New York. Additionally, he directed two short films for R.E.M.'s songs "Blue" and "That Someone Is You" from their album Collapse into Now. He also directed 'The Broken Tower' about poet Hart Crane, which was screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
2011: Starring in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
In 2011, James Franco starred in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
2011: Teaching Film Courses
In 2011, James Franco taught a graduate-level film course at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He also taught film classes at USC and UCLA and a screenwriting class on Skillshare. He assisted his students' film projects by attracting actors, including Seth MacFarlane, Kate Mara, Natalie Portman, Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Wiig and Olivia Wilde.
February 2012: Filming Child of God
In February 2012, James Franco began shooting a film version of Cormac McCarthy's "Child of God", starring Scott Haze. The film depicts the violent impulses of Lester Ballard.
September 2012: Release of Daddy's First Single and EP
In September 2012, James Franco announced the release of his band Daddy's first single "Love in the Old Days" and their first EP "MotorCity".
2012: Starring in General Hospital and Spring Breakers
In 2012, James Franco starred in Spring Breakers and had a recurring role on General Hospital.
2012: DVD Release of The Broken Tower
In 2012, James Franco's film, The Broken Tower, a docudrama about the poet Hart Crane, was released on DVD.
March 8, 2013: Release of Oz the Great and Powerful
On March 8, 2013, "Oz the Great and Powerful", a Disney prequel to L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", starring James Franco, was released.
March 2013: Franco set to make Broadway debut in Of Mice and Men
In March 2013, it was announced that James Franco was set to make his 2014 Broadway stage debut in the role of George in a revival of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".
July 9, 2013: Announcement as Comedy Central Roast Roastee
On July 9, 2013, it was announced that James Franco would be the featured roastee on the next Comedy Central Roast.
September 2, 2013: Airing of the Comedy Central Roast
On September 2, 2013, the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco aired.
September 2013: Campaign for Oscar nomination for Spring Breakers
In September 2013, A24 films began a campaign in support of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for James Franco's performance in "Spring Breakers".
October 2013: Appearance in Thirty Seconds to Mars music video
In October 2013, James Franco appeared in the music video for "City of Angels" by Thirty Seconds to Mars.
December 2013: Publication of Explanatory Article on Selfies
In December 2013, James Franco wrote an explanatory article for The New York Times about his deliberate garnering of a reputation for publishing "selfies".
2013: Directing and starring in As I Lay Dying and This Is the End
In 2013, James Franco directed a film version of William Faulkner's novel "As I Lay Dying", which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. He also starred in "This Is the End" as a fictionalized version of himself.
2013: Starring in Oz the Great and Powerful and This Is the End
In 2013, James Franco starred in Oz the Great and Powerful and This Is the End.
February 2014: Support Article for Shia LaBeouf's Performance Art
In February 2014, James Franco wrote an article in The New York Times in support of Shia LaBeouf's metamodernist performance art, describing it as an attempt to reclaim his public persona.
April 2014: Publication of Poetry Collection
In April 2014, Graywolf Press published James Franco's first collection of poetry, "Directing Herbert White".
April 2014: Directing "Techno Color Sunglasses" for Gucci and starring in The Interview
In April 2014, James Franco directed and appeared in "Techno Color Sunglasses", promoting Gucci's eyewear collection. Also in 2014, he starred in the controversial comedy thriller, "The Interview".
April 2014: Franco Presents at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition
In April 2014, James Franco presented at the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition with Leighton Meester and Chris O'Dowd, after raising donations at his Broadway show 'Of Mice and Men'.
June 2014: Franco Performs in Broadway Bares
In June 2014, James Franco performed in the BC/EFA benefit Broadway Bares.
2014: Broadway debut in Of Mice and Men
In 2014, James Franco made his Broadway stage debut in the role of George in a revival of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".
2014: Starring in The Interview
In 2014, James Franco starred in The Interview.
April 2015: I Am Michael and True Story shown at Sundance Film Festival
In April 2015, James Franco's films "I Am Michael" and "True Story" were shown at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. In "I Am Michael", Franco plays a gay activist who rejects his homosexuality. In "True Story", Franco plays Christian Longo, a man who murdered his family.
2015: Published Editorial about McDonald's
In 2015, James Franco published an editorial in the Washington Post titled "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was", reflecting on his time working there.
2015: Casted in Hulu limited series 11.22.63
In 2015, James Franco was cast in the lead role for the Hulu limited series "11.22.63", based on the novel by Stephen King.
2015: Production of Dear James Franco
In 2015, Under the Gun Theater, a Chicago-based theater company, developed a show inspired by and titled after Franco. The production "Dear James Franco" used, parodied and deconstructed letters penned to or by celebrities, and used improvisation to satirize their subject matter.
February 15, 2016: Premiere of 11.22.63 on Hulu
On February 15, 2016, the eight-episode series "11.22.63", starring James Franco and based on the novel by Stephen King, premiered on Hulu.
December 2016: Release of Why Him?
In December 2016, the comedy "Why Him?", starring James Franco, was released. Franco played an immature tech-billionaire.
2016: Directing and starring in The Disaster Artist
In 2016, James Franco directed, co-produced, and starred in "The Disaster Artist", based on Greg Sestero's book about the making of "The Room". Franco portrayed Tommy Wiseau.
2016: Starring in Sausage Party
In 2016, James Franco starred in Sausage Party.
2016: Starred in 11.22.63
In 2016, James Franco starred in the limited series 11.22.63.
May 19, 2017: Release of Alien: Covenant
On May 19, 2017, "Alien: Covenant" was released. James Franco played Branson, the captain of the Covenant ship.
December 1, 2017: Release of The Disaster Artist
On December 1, 2017, "The Disaster Artist" was released to positive reviews, with James Franco's portrayal of Tommy Wiseau gaining praise. The role won him a Golden Globe Award.
2017: Starred in The Deuce
In 2017, James Franco starred in The Deuce, an HBO drama created by David Simon.
2017: Starring in The Disaster Artist
In 2017, James Franco starred in The Disaster Artist, for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
2018: Busy Philipps' account of Franco's behavior on 'Freaks and Geeks' set
In 2018, Busy Philipps alleged in her memoir that James Franco screamed at her and violently shoved her to the ground while they were on the set of 'Freaks and Geeks'.
2019: The Deuce Ended
In 2019, The Deuce, in which James Franco starred, ended.
April 2021: Charlyne Yi's accusations against Franco
In April 2021, Charlyne Yi stated that after they attempted to quit the film 'The Disaster Artist' over the allegations against James Franco, the filmmakers responded by offering them a larger role. Yi viewed this as an attempted bribe and also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.
December 23, 2021: First Interview in Nearly Four Years
On December 23, 2021, James Franco gave his first interview in nearly four years when he appeared on an episode of the Jess Cagle Podcast.
August 2022: Franco Cast as Fidel Castro
In August 2022, James Franco was cast as Fidel Castro in "Alina in Cuba" (later retitled "Castro's Daughter").
October 2024: Premiere of Hey Joe at Rome Film Festival
In October 2024, "Hey Joe" starring James Franco premiered at the Rome Film Festival.
November 28, 2024: Opening of Hey Joe in Italian Cinemas
On November 28, 2024, the film "Hey Joe" starring James Franco opened in Italian cinemas.
2024: Appearance in The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure
In 2024, James Franco appeared in the French thriller "The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure".
May 2025: Grindstone acquired U.S. distribution for Golden State Killer starring Franco
In May 2025, Deadline reported that Lionsgate’s partner Grindstone acquired U.S. distribution for the true-crime feature Golden State Killer (retitled from The Policeman), starring Vincent Gallo as Joseph James DeAngelo and Franco as the detective trying to catch him.
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