RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: April 19, 1978

Background: Franco was born in Palo Alto, California. He briefly became a ward of the state as a teenager after arrests for drinking, graffiti, and theft. He considered becoming marine zoologist, but he was always interested in acting. He attended UCLA but dropped out to pursue his career. His younger brother, Dave Franco, is also an actor.

Filmography: His breakthrough role was in the 1999-2000 TV series "Freaks and Geeks." He also gave a critically acclaimed performance in the title role of the telefilm "James Dean" (2001). His big-screen credits include the "Spider-Man" films (2002, 2004, 2007), "City by the Sea" (2002), "In the Valley of Elah" (2007), "Pineapple Express" (2008), "Howl" (2010), "127 Hours" (2010), "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), and "Lovelace" (2012). He also played a recurring role on the ABC soap opera "General Hospital."

Academy Awards:

Best Actor Nomination
"127 Hours" (2010); lost to Colin Firth ("The King's Speech")

Emmy Awards:

Best Movie/Mini Actor Nomination
"James Dean" (2002); lost to Albert Finney ("The Gathering Storm")

Best Special Class Program Nomination
"83rd Annual Academy Awards" (2011); lost to "64th Annual Tony Awards"

Golden Globes: Win - Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actor ("James Dean," 2002)

Best Film Drama Actor Nomination
"127 Hours" (2011); lost to Colin Firth ("The King's Speech")

Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor Nomination
"Pineapple Express" (2009); lost to Colin Farrell ("In Bruges")

SAG Awards:

Best Film Ensemble Nomination
"Milk" (2009); lost to "Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Film Actor Nomination
"127 Hours" (2011); lost to Colin Firth ("The King's Speech")

Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actor Nomination
"James Dean" (2002); lost to Ben Kingsley ("Anne Frank: The Whole Story")