Dave Franco has built a steady career in Hollywood, but his biography often gets overshadowed by questions about his family and personal life. This article separates verified fact from rumor, drawing on public records, entertainment databases, and interview transcripts to provide a clear, reliable picture of the actor, writer, and director. You’ll find his height, age, marriage timeline, and the truth about his relationship with brother James Franco — all anchored to credible sources.
Last checked: 2026-08-15
Full name: David John Franco · Born: June 12, 1985, Palo Alto, California · Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) · Spouse: Alison Brie (m. 2017) · Notable films: Superbad (2007), 21 Jump Street (2012), The Disaster Artist (2017)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-15.
Sources reviewed: IMDb, ABC News, People, AWFJ, Observer, Wikipedia, Hello! Magazine, CBS Mornings (YouTube), AzQuotes.
We did not conduct a direct interview with Dave Franco or his family, nor did we access private records. All facts are drawn from publicly available, third-party verified sources.
Dave Franco at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | David John Franco |
| Born | June 12, 1985, Palo Alto, California |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Alison Brie (m. 2017) |
| Notable films | Superbad (2007), 21 Jump Street (2012), The Disaster Artist (2017) |
Are James and Dave Franco half brothers?
No. Dave Franco and James Franco are full brothers, sharing both parents: Douglas Franco and Betsy Franco. The misconception likely arises from the 16-year age gap between James (born 1978) and Dave (born 1985), but multiple sources confirm they have the same mother and father (Wikipedia). Both brothers grew up in Palo Alto, California, and attended the same schools. The bottom line: they are not half siblings — the rumor is false.
Is Dave Franco really 5’7″?
Yes. His height is consistently listed as 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) on IMDb and other major databases. For comparison, James Franco is reported at 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), which makes the three-inch difference noticeable in photos. No credible source lists a different height. The value has been widely verified across entertainment outlets and is generally accepted as accurate.
The implication: if you’ve seen him on screen standing next to taller co-stars like Channing Tatum (6 ft 1 in) or Jonah Hill (5 ft 7 in), the measurements align with what you’d expect.
Are Alison Brie and Dave Franco married?
Yes, they married in March 2017 in a private ceremony. ABC News reported the wedding as a “private, intimate” affair, and the couple had been engaged since August 2015 (People). As of their last public statements, they have no children. The couple has co-written and co-produced the film Somebody I Used to Know (2023), blending their personal and professional lives.
What this means: the marriage is well-documented, and the absence of children is a private choice the couple has not publicly explained.
What happened with Dave Franco?
This question covers a broad range of career and personal developments. Dave Franco’s breakout came in 2007 with Superbad, followed by key roles in 21 Jump Street, Now You See Me, Neighbors, and The Disaster Artist. He transitioned to directing with The Rental (2020), a horror-thriller he also co-wrote. In 2023 he directed and co-wrote Somebody I Used to Know, starring his wife Alison Brie.
Career milestones
Franco has said he wanted to direct for a long time and had been making short films before his first feature (AWFJ). His acting choices remain eclectic: from comedy (Neighbors) to horror (Day Shift) to drama (The Disaster Artist).
Relationship with brother James Franco
Despite public speculation about a rift, both brothers have spoken positively about each other in interviews. Dave Franco told People in 2020 that they are “still close.” However, James Franco’s career stalled after 2018 sexual misconduct allegations and a lawsuit, which led to Seth Rogen publicly distancing himself from James. Dave Franco has not commented on those allegations, and his professional collaborations with James have been limited.
Directorial debut The Rental (2020)
The film premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically and on demand. Critics’ reviews were mixed, but the project demonstrated Franco’s ambition to tell fresh stories. “I’ve been wanting to direct a feature for a long time,” he told AWFJ.
The pattern: Franco has steadily moved from actor to filmmaker, using his industry connections (including frequent collaborator Seth Rogen) to build a dual career.
Key Dates in Dave Franco’s Life
- — Born in Palo Alto, California (IMDb)
- — Breakout role in Superbad
- — Engagement to Alison Brie reported (People)
- — Married Alison Brie (ABC News)
- — Directorial feature debut with The Rental (AWFJ)
- — Directed and co-wrote Somebody I Used to Know (CBS Mornings)
James Franco: The Natural Comparison
Because the most common search query about Dave Franco involves his brother, it’s worth noting how the two Francos differ. James is seven years older, taller (5 ft 10 in), and had a more prominent early career with films like 127 Hours and Pineapple Express. After 2018, James’s acting opportunities declined, while Dave’s career continued steadily. The brothers share a family background but have taken very different professional paths.
Our Pick: Which Franco Film to Watch First
For movie fans wanting to see Dave Franco at his best, start with The Disaster Artist (2017) — a film he co-starred in with his brother James and Seth Rogen, which earned critical acclaim. It showcases his comedic timing and dramatic range. For a taste of his directorial work, The Rental (2020) is a tight, unsettling thriller that proves he can hold the camera as well as he stands in front of it.
“I’ve been wanting to direct a feature for a long time.”
– Dave Franco, actor and filmmaker
“I really want to try to give audiences something they haven’t seen before.”
– Dave Franco, actor and filmmaker
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seth Rogen still friends with Dave Franco?
Yes. They have worked together on multiple projects (Neighbors, The Disaster Artist, This Is the End) and remain on good terms; no public rift has been reported.
Do Dave and James Franco still talk?
They have not reported a rift. In a 2020 People interview, Dave Franco said the brothers are “still close.”
Did Zac Efron date Dave Franco?
No. This is a baseless rumor with no evidence or confirmation from any credible source.
Why do Alison Brie and Dave Franco not have kids?
The couple has not publicly explained; they have stated they are focused on their careers and relationship.
Why does Seth Rogen not like James Franco anymore?
After 2018 sexual misconduct allegations and a lawsuit, Seth Rogen publicly distanced himself from James Franco. They have not worked together since.
Why was James Franco kicked out of acting?
James Franco has not been formally banned; his career stalled after multiple allegations and a lawsuit, leading to fewer roles.
What are Dave Franco’s most famous movies?
He is best known for Superbad, 21 Jump Street, Neighbors, Now You See Me, and The Disaster Artist.