James Franco's Father Doug Dies at 63

Celebrity News October 4, 2011 AT 7:44PM
James Franco's Father Doug Dies at 63 Credit: Elisabetta A. Villa/WireImage.com

James Franco is mourning the loss of his father Doug Franco, 63, who passed away sometime last week.

"It is true that my sweet, generous husband passed away. He gave so much to his three sons and me, and to many other people, too," Franco's mother, writer and actress Betsy Franco, tweeted Monday.

PHOTOS: Stars we lost in 2010

Betsy, who met Doug while she was a student at Stanford University, did not reveal the cause of her husband's death.

James has spoken fondly of his father over the years, often crediting the Silicon Valley businessman for giving him an offbeat sense of humor.

PHOTOS: Celebs gone too soon

"I'm not serious all the time," James told The Guardian in 2006. "It's not like I grew up in a house full of jokes, but my dad did turn me on to Monty Python."

In addition to James, 33, Doug -- who had a Harvard MBA -- leaves behind two other sons: Dave Franco, an actor, and Tom Franco, an artist.

Tell Us What You Think

5
Comment by signing in with or creating your Facebook account by clicking below.
  • October 09, 2011 - 7:28pm Sandy Griffin

    Grief from loss is terribly painful for everyone: celebrities,"stars", and everyday people. I'm with Hollyanne. While I'm not religious, I do pray for those who need comfort and healing, including the Franco family. Peace.

  • October 05, 2011 - 9:42pm Hollyanne Phelps

    Heartless much Andy? It's news because James is a celebrity DUH. If you don't like the news, don't read it. Prayers are with you James and your family during this difficult time.

  • October 05, 2011 - 3:51pm Andy Tran

    People die every day ... in fact, a lot of people die every day. Well wishes, but why is this such big news?

  • October 05, 2011 - 4:07am Vanessa Taylor

    so sad. condolences james.

  • October 04, 2011 - 9:16pm Claudia Mueller

    sad for anyones lost.

ADVERTISEMENT