Diane Franklin
A charming and memorable '80s screen presence who brought intelligence and wit to roles in cult comedies and teen fantasies.
Born 1962 (age 64)·American actress·Birthday: February 11·Baby Boomers
Biography
Diane Franklin carved out a unique niche in 1980s cinema as the captivating girl-next-door who was often far more interesting than the lead. With her bright smile and keen comedic timing, she excelled at playing characters who were both desirable and disarmingly self-possessed. Her breakout role came as the French exchange student Monique Junot in the anarchic high school comedy 'Better Off Dead,' where she turned a potential stereotype into the film's warm, sensible heart. She followed this by embodying a teenage dream literally, playing the medieval princess who springs from a poster to life in 'The Last American Virgin.' Franklin avoided being typecast by also stepping into horror, most notably in 'Amityville II: The Possession.' While she never became a mainstream A-list name, her performances in these era-defining films left a lasting impression, earning her a dedicated fanbase that celebrates her as one of the quintessential faces of 1980s genre cinema.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Diane was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Diane Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Diane's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the iconic role of Monique Junot in the cult classic film 'Better Off Dead' (1985).
- Starred as the princess Karen in the fantasy comedy 'The Last American Virgin' (1982).
- Portrayed Patricia Montelli in the horror film 'Amityville II: The Possession' (1982).
- Appeared as a model in the 1983 music video for The Police's song 'Every Breath You Take'.
Did You Know?
She was a successful teen model before transitioning to acting, appearing in numerous magazines and commercials.
She is also a published author, having written a book about her experiences in Hollywood.
Her daughter, Olivia DeLaurentis, is also an actress.
She played two different characters in the 'Bill & Ted' franchise: Princess Joanna in 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' and Missy in 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.'
“I was always the best friend, the one who got the funny lines and the secret crush.”
