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 a wide range of movies, including Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, notably in Pineapple Express and The Disaster Artist, the latter earning him a Golden Globe. Franco received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 127 Hours, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Sections (6)

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

1940: Daniel Verovitz Changed Surname

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 acted in plays.

1998: Attending CSSSA for Theater Studies

In 1998, James Franco attended CSSSA for theater studies.

2000: Freaks and Geeks Ended

In 2000, Freaks and Geeks ended. It developed a cult following.

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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.

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, completing his departmental honors thesis as a novel.

September 23, 2010: Erroneous grade announcement

On September 23, 2010, James Franco erroneously announced he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at NYU, when it was actually in a "Directing the Actor" class.

2010: M.F.A. from Columbia University

In 2010, James Franco received his M.F.A. from Columbia University, while also attending graduate school at multiple institutions including NYU and Brooklyn College, and studying at Warren Wilson College and Yale University.

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 also taught film classes at USC and UCLA, and a screenwriting class on Skillshare, attracting actors like Seth MacFarlane and Natalie Portman for student projects.

2012: Ending Role on General Hospital

In 2012, James Franco ended his role on General Hospital.

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March 2015: Discussion of Sexuality

In March 2015, James Franco discussed his sexuality in an interview with Four Two Nine magazine, stating that he likes to think that he's gay in his art and straight in his life.