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 across genres. He gained early recognition in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and has since starred in films like Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Spring Breakers. He is also known for his collaborations with Seth Rogen in comedies such as Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview, and he won a Golden Globe for The Disaster Artist. His performance in 127 Hours earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1999: First Break in Freaks and Geeks
In 1999, James Franco got his first break after being cast in a leading role on the NBC television series "Freaks and Geeks".
2000: Freaks and Geeks Concluded
In 2000, "Freaks and Geeks", in which James Franco played a prominent role, concluded its initial run, though it later gained a cult following.
2000: Role in Whatever It Takes
In 2000, after his film debut in "Never Been Kissed", James Franco played Chris, a popular jock, in "Whatever It Takes", a modern-day remake of Cyrano de Bergerac.
2001: Portrayal of James Dean
In 2001, James Franco portrayed the title character in the television biographical film "James Dean", earning him a Golden Globe Award.
2002: Fame in Spider-Man
In 2002, James Franco achieved worldwide fame in the superhero film "Spider-Man", playing Harry Osborn, the son of the villainous Green Goblin.
2002: Starring in Sonny and City by the Sea
In 2002, James Franco starred in "Sonny", directed by Nicolas Cage, and in "City by the Sea", where he played a homeless drug addict.
2003: Co-starred in The Company
In 2003, James Franco co-starred with Neve Campbell in Robert Altman's ballet movie "The Company".
2004: Reprising Role in Spider-Man 2
In 2004, James Franco reprised his role in "Spider-Man 2", a sequel that was a financial and critical success.
2005: Starred in The Ape and The Great Raid
In 2005, James Franco made and starred in "The Ape" and starred in the war film "The Great Raid", playing Robert Prince.
September 2006: Flyboys and The Wicker Man Release
In September 2006, James Franco's film "Flyboys" was released and he appeared briefly in "The Wicker Man".
2006: Re-enrollment at UCLA
In autumn 2006, James Franco, dissatisfied with his career's direction, reenrolled at UCLA as an English major with a creative writing concentration, receiving permission to take as many as 62 course credits per quarter while still continuing to act.
2007: Spider-Man 3 and Other Projects
In 2007, James Franco reprised his role as Harry Osborn in "Spider-Man 3." He also made a cameo in "Knocked Up" and was involved in other projects such as "Camille", "Interview", and "Good Time Max", which he wrote, directed, and starred in.
June 2008: Receives Undergraduate Degree from UCLA
James Franco received his undergraduate degree in June 2008 from UCLA with a GPA of 3.5/4.0. Franco prepared his departmental honors thesis as a novel.
September 20, 2008: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On September 20, 2008, James Franco hosted the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live (SNL)", showcasing his comedic talents.
2008: Starring in Milk and Pineapple Express
In 2008, James Franco starred in "Milk" as Scott Smith and in "Pineapple Express" as Saul Silver, roles that showcased his versatility and earned him critical acclaim.
2008: Starring in Milk
In 2008, James Franco starred in Gus Van Sant's "Milk" as Scott Smith, the boyfriend of Harvey Milk. His performance was praised.
2008: Face of Gucci Men's Fragrance
In 2008, James Franco was named as the face of Gucci's men's fragrance line.
June 12, 2009: Withdrawal as Commencement Speaker at UCLA
James Franco was selected as the commencement speaker at UCLA, and was to speak at the ceremony on June 12, 2009. However, on June 3, Franco withdrew, citing a date conflict with location pre-production on a film.
December 19, 2009: Second Time Hosting Saturday Night Live
On December 19, 2009, James Franco hosted the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live (SNL)" for a second time, demonstrating his popularity as a host.
2009: Recurring Role on General Hospital
In 2009, James Franco began a recurring role on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital", showcasing his versatility as an actor.
2009: Joining General Hospital
In late 2009, James Franco joined the cast of the daytime soap opera "General Hospital" on a recurring basis, playing a multimedia artist.
May 2010: Casting 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: Film Festival Presentations
In May 2010, James Franco's short films as director, The Feast of Stephen and Herbert White, were presented within the Maryland Film Festival.
June 2010: Solo Exhibition in New York City
In June 2010, James Franco presented his first solo exhibition, "The Dangerous Book Four Boys", at The Clocktower Gallery in New York City, featuring video, drawings, sculptures, and installation.
September 2010: Acquisition of 'The Adderall Diaries' Rights
At the end of September 2010, James Franco acquired the rights to Stephen Elliott's The Adderall Diaries to adapt, direct, and star in the film.
September 23, 2010: Erroneous Announcement About NYU Grade
On September 23, 2010, James Franco made an erroneous public announcement that he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at the NYU Graduate Film School; in fact, the grade was in a "Directing the Actor" class.
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, the film 127 Hours, starring James Franco as Aron Ralston, received a limited release. The film portrays Ralston's survival story after his hand becomes trapped under a boulder.
2010: Appearances and Film Releases
In 2010, James Franco appeared on the sitcom 30 Rock, portraying himself in a fake romance storyline. He also starred in the commercial successes Date Night and Eat Pray Love, and played poet Allen Ginsberg in the drama Howl.
2010: Documentary and Art Exhibits
In 2010, James Franco produced and directed a documentary titled Saturday Night about the production of an SNL episode. The fictional Franco from General Hospital also had an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, while the real Franco held an exhibit based on his soap opera experiences.
2010: Received M.F.A. from Columbia University
In 2010, James Franco received his M.F.A. from Columbia University. As of 2010, Franco was studying in the Ph.D. program in English at Yale University.
2010: Starring in Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours
In 2010, James Franco starred in "Eat Pray Love" and "127 Hours", with his performance in "127 Hours" earning him a Best Actor nomination at the 83rd Academy Awards.
January 2011: Plans to Direct and Star in 'The Night Stalker'
In January 2011, James Franco planned to star in and direct himself in The Night Stalker, a film version of Philip Carlo's book about Richard Ramirez.
January 2011: Screening of 'Three's Company The Drama'
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 for his work at the hospital at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Los Angeles, receiving the Spirit of Elysium accolade.
January 26, 2011: Release of Satirical Video with Harvard Lampoon
On January 26, 2011, James Franco and the Harvard Lampoon released a satirical video on Funny or Die mocking his last-minute cancellation as UCLA's commencement speaker.
February 23, 2011: Cameo 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, whom Franco portrayed in '127 Hours', participated 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 decision to have them host was made to attract a younger audience. However, Franco received criticism for his perceived lack of enthusiasm and energy during the show, and the telecast was largely considered a failure by media viewers. Franco addressed the criticism later, stating he accepted the role for the experience.
March 31, 2011: Franco participates in dinner benefit for 826DC
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 autographed a T-shirt for Japanese tsunami relief
In April 2011, James Franco autographed a T-shirt that was 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, starring James Franco, was released. Franco was cast in May 2010.
2011: European Art Exhibition in Berlin
In 2011, James Franco launched his first European art exhibition at Peres Projects in Berlin.
2011: Directorial Debut and Filmmaking
In 2011, James Franco made his dance-theater directorial debut at New York's Stella Adler Studios with "Collage." He also directed two short films for R.E.M. songs and continued filmmaking with 'The Broken Tower,' a docudrama about poet Hart Crane. 'The Broken Tower' was screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2011.
2011: Starring in Rise of the Planet of the Apes
In 2011, James Franco starred in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", contributing to the film's success and furthering his acting career.
2011: Teaching Film Course at NYU
In 2011, James Franco taught a graduate-level film course at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He has also taught film classes at USC and UCLA, as well as a screenwriting class online. Franco has also helped attract actors for his students' film projects.
February 2012: Filming 'Child of God'
In February 2012, James Franco began shooting a film version of Cormac McCarthy's Child of God.
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 Spring Breakers
In 2012, James Franco starred in "Spring Breakers", adding another significant role to his filmography.
2012: Release of "The Broken Tower" on DVD
In 2012, James Franco's film 'The Broken Tower,' a 90-minute docudrama about poet Hart Crane, was released on DVD.
2012: End of General Hospital Role
In 2012, James Franco's recurring role on "General Hospital" came to an end, marking the conclusion of his daytime television stint.
March 8, 2013: Release of 'Oz the Great and Powerful'
On March 8, 2013, Oz the Great and Powerful, starring James Franco, was released. Filming began in July 2011.
March 2013: Featured in UCLA Print Advertisements
In March 2013, James Franco was featured in half-page print advertisements for his alma mater UCLA, celebrating him as a "prolific academic."
March 2013: Broadway Debut Announcement
In March 2013, it was announced that James Franco would make his 2014 Broadway stage debut 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: Comedy Central Roast Airs
On September 2, 2013, the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco aired.
September 2013: 'Spring Breakers' Oscar Campaign
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.
September 2013: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit
In September 2013, James Franco and José Angel Santana settled the defamation lawsuit. The matter was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties.
October 2013: Appearance in Music Video
In October 2013, James Franco appeared in the music video for "City of Angels" by Thirty Seconds to Mars.
December 2013: Article on "Selfies" in The New York Times
In December 2013, James Franco wrote an explanatory article for The New York Times about his reputation for publishing "selfies."
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", continuing his collaborations with Seth Rogen and expanding his range of roles.
2013: Starring in 'This Is the End' and Film Screening
In 2013, James Franco starred in This Is the End as a fictionalized version of himself. Also in 2013, Franco directed a film version of William Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
2013: Featured in Man of the World Magazine
In 2013, James Franco was featured as the cover model and featured focus in the men's magazine 'Man of the World'.
February 2014: Article in The New York Times
In February 2014, James Franco wrote an article in The New York Times in support of Shia LaBeouf's metamodernist performance art.
April 2014: Publication of Poetry Collection
In April 2014, Graywolf Press issued James Franco's first collection of poetry, 'Directing Herbert White'.
April 2014: Directing "Techno Color Sunglasses"
In April 2014, James Franco directed and appeared in "Techno Color Sunglasses", a promotional film for Gucci's eyewear collection.
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 Year
In 2014, James Franco made his Broadway stage debut in a revival of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
2014: Starring in The Interview
In 2014, James Franco starred in "The Interview", marking another collaboration with Seth Rogen.
April 2015: Sundance Film Festival Premieres
In April 2015, two of James Franco's projects, I Am Michael and True Story, were shown at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
2015: Casting in '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: "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was" Editorial
In 2015, James Franco wrote an editorial for the Washington Post titled "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was", reflecting on his time working at McDonald's to support himself while pursuing acting.
February 15, 2016: Premiere of '11.22.63'
On February 15, 2016, the Hulu limited series 11.22.63, starring James Franco and based on the Stephen King novel, premiered.
December 2016: Release of 'Why Him?'
In December 2016, the comedy Why Him?, starring James Franco, was released.
2016: Production of 'The Disaster Artist'
In 2016, James Franco directed, co-produced, and starred in The Disaster Artist, a film about the making of The Room.
2016: Starring in Sausage Party
In 2016, James Franco starred in "Sausage Party", further cementing his collaborative work with Seth Rogen.
2016: Starring in 11.22.63
In 2016, James Franco starred in the limited series "11.22.63", adding to his diverse range of television roles.
May 19, 2017: Release of 'Alien: Covenant'
On May 19, 2017, Alien: Covenant, in which James Franco briefly appeared, was released.
December 1, 2017: Release of 'The Disaster Artist'
On December 1, 2017, The Disaster Artist, directed by and starring James Franco, was released to positive reviews.
2017: Starring in The Deuce
In 2017, James Franco starred in "The Deuce", an HBO drama created by David Simon, demonstrating his continued presence in television.
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, recognizing his performance.
January 9, 2018: New York Times Cancels Event with Franco
On January 9, 2018, The New York Times canceled a planned event with James Franco, citing the recent allegations against him.
January 11, 2018: Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior
On January 11, 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women were accusing James Franco of inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior during the period when Franco was serving as their acting teacher or mentor.
2019: The Deuce Concluded
In 2019, "The Deuce", the HBO drama series starring James Franco, concluded its run.
August 2022: Casting as Fidel Castro
In August 2022, James Franco was cast as Fidel Castro in Alina in Cuba, a decision supported by Fidel 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, 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: Acquisition of 'Golden State Killer' Distribution Rights
In May 2025, it was reported that Lionsgate’s partner Grindstone acquired U.S. distribution for the true-crime feature Golden State Killer, starring James Franco.
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