Dave Franco
An actor who carved his own path from comedic sidekick to a producer of stylish, tense thrillers, often exploring dark corners of the human psyche.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actor·Birthday: June 12·Millennials
Biography
Dave Franco spent his early career in the long shadow of his older brother James, a dynamic he knowingly played into with self-aware charm in films like '21 Jump Street'. But he was never just a supporting player. With a sharp, watchful presence, he moved beyond frat-house comedies to explore more complex, often unsettling roles. He co-starred in the dystopian 'Now You See Me' franchise and delivered a chilling performance in the horror film 'The Rental', which he also co-wrote and produced. This shift behind the camera marked a turning point; Franco and his wife, Alison Brie, have developed projects that blend relationship drama with psychological suspense. He has deliberately built a filmography that favors smart genre pieces over blockbuster fare, establishing himself as a thoughtful creative force with a distinct taste for modern noir.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dave was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dave Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Dave's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote, produced, and starred in the critically well-received horror-thriller 'The Rental' (2020).
- Played a lead role in the successful 'Now You See Me' magic-heist film series.
- Starred in and produced the Netflix thriller 'Someone Great', showcasing his move into production.
- His performance in the sixth season of 'Scrubs' served as a major career springboard.
Did You Know?
He is married to actress Alison Brie; they met filming the movie 'The Disaster Artist'.
He turned down a role in the film 'Magic Mike' to avoid being overly compared to his brother.
He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in film.
“I think the best way to avoid being pigeonholed is to just keep switching it up.”
