Childhood and Education Journey of James Franco in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of James Franco. A timeline of key moments.

James Franco is an American actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in both mainstream and independent films. He gained prominence in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and has since starred in movies like Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Spring Breakers. A frequent collaborator with Seth Rogen, Franco has appeared in comedies such as Pineapple Express and This Is the End, as well as The Disaster Artist, for which he won a Golden Globe. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 127 Hours.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1940: Surname Change

Sometime after 1940, James Franco's maternal grandfather, Daniel, changed his surname from "Verovitz" to "Verne".

April 19, 1978: James Franco's Birth

On April 19, 1978, James Edward Franco was born. He is an American actor and filmmaker.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Graduation from Palo Alto High School

In 1996, James Franco graduated from Palo Alto High School, where he participated in plays.

1998: Attending CSSSA for Theater Studies

In 1998, James Franco attended CSSSA (California State Summer School for the Arts) for theater studies.

February 11, 2006: First public display of paintings

On February 11, 2006, James Franco's paintings were displayed publicly for the first time at the Glü Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition ran from January 7 through February 11, 2006.

2006: Re-enrollment at UCLA

In autumn 2006, James Franco, dissatisfied with his career's direction, re-enrolled at UCLA as an English major with a creative writing concentration.

June 2008: Undergraduate degree from UCLA

In June 2008, James Franco received his undergraduate degree from UCLA with a GPA of 3.5/4.0. He prepared his departmental honors thesis as a novel.

June 2010: First Solo Exhibition

In June 2010, James Franco presented his first solo exhibition, "The Dangerous Book Four Boys", at The Clocktower Gallery in New York City.

2010: M.F.A. from Columbia

In 2010, James Franco received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts for writing. As of 2010, Franco was studying in the Ph.D. program in English at Yale University. He has also attended the Rhode Island School of Design.

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 at the charity, which helps children with serious medical conditions. He received the Spirit of Elysium accolade.

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 discussed the need for more original literature programs in schools.

April 2011: Franco Autographs T-shirt for Tsunami Relief

In April 2011, James Franco autographed a T-shirt that was auctioned off through the Yoshiki Foundation, with proceeds donated for Japanese tsunami relief efforts.

2011: First European art exhibition

In 2011, James Franco launched his first European art exhibition at Peres Projects in Berlin.

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 has also taught film classes at USC and UCLA, as well as a screenwriting class on the online learning community Skillshare. He helped attract actors for his student's film projects.

April 2013: Franco Receives Ally Award

In April 2013, James Franco received the Ally Award at the 15th annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in recognition of his support of the LGBT community.

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, following fundraising efforts at his Broadway show, "Of Mice and Men".

June 2014: Franco Performs in Broadway Bares Benefit

In June 2014, James Franco performed in the BC/EFA benefit Broadway Bares.

March 2015: Interview about sexuality

In a March 2015 interview with Four Two Nine magazine, James Franco opened up about his sexuality, discussing how homosexuality was defined in the past and stating that he is 'gay in my art and straight in my life.'

2015: Official bar mitzvah ceremony

In 2015, James Franco had an official bar mitzvah ceremony, presided over by a rabbi.

2015: Washington Post Editorial

In 2015, James Franco wrote a Washington Post editorial titled "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was" reflecting nostalgically on his time working at McDonald's.

2016: Franco Enters Treatment for Sexual Addiction

In December 23, 2021, James Franco admitted to having sex with students and stated he had been in treatment for sexual addiction since 2016.

February 21, 2021: Settlement of Lawsuit Reported

On February 21, 2021, it was reported that James Franco's lawsuit was settled after both students agreed to drop their individual claims, according to documents filed on February 11, 2021.

March 15, 2021: Settlement Deal Submitted for Court Approval

On March 15, 2021, the settlement deal in the lawsuit against James Franco was submitted for preliminary court approval.

June 2021: Settlement Terms Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement involving James Franco were revealed, disclosing that he would pay over $2.2 million to resolve disputes with two women citing sexual exploitation and approximately 1,500 Studio 4 students alleging fraud. The plaintiffs and defendants issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to address the mistreatment of women in Hollywood.