James Franco recently won over audiences by appearing as "Paul Leotard," a doctor who attempts to romance "Mindy Lahiri" (Mindy Kaling) on The Mindy Project.

Since '97, the California-native has held a prolific career as an actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. His notable roles include portraying "Aron Ralston," a man who is forced to saw off his own limb in order to ensure his survival in the gut-wrenching true story of 127 Hours, "Harry Osborn/New Goblin" in the Spiderman film series, and appearing as himself in This Is The End.

Franco's additional film credits include: Tristan + Isolde, Pineapple Express, Milk, Date Night, Eat Pray Love, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Spring Breakers. His television credits include: General Hospital, Freaks and Geeks, and Pacific Blue. Franco recently wrote and directed Palo Alto, a 2013 film based upon his short story collection said to be inspired by characters he encountered during his childhood in Palo Alto, California. In the film, he portrayed "Mr. B" and starred alongside Emma Roberts and Jack Kilmer.