James Edward Franco (born April 19, 1978) is an American actor and filmmaker. His first prominent acting role was the lead character Daniel Desario on the short-lived
cult hit television program
Freaks and Geeks. He later played the
title character in the TV biographical film
James Dean (2001), for which he won a
Golden Globe Award. He played
Harry Osborn in
Sam Raimi's
Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007). He is also known for his roles in the films
Flyboys (2006),
Pineapple Express (2008),
Milk (2008),
127 Hours (2010),
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011),
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013),
Spring Breakers (2013),
This Is the End (2013), and
The Interview (2014). He had a
recurring role in the ABC soap opera
General Hospital. For his role in
127 Hours (2010), Franco was nominated for an
Academy Award for Best Actor. In 2014, he made his
Broadway debut in
Of Mice and Men.