Betsy Franco: Everything About James Franco’s Mother

Who is Betsy Franco?

Betsy Franco is an author and the mother of the Franco brothers: James Edward Franco, Thomas Andrew Franco, and David John Franco. Betsy’s sons are all prominent actors. They have all been successful in their respective careers and are well-known in the film industry.

Betsy Franco: Bio Summary

How old is James Franco’s Mother?

Betsy Lou (née Verne) is a celebrity parent. She was born on August 15, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA but was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She is the daughter of Mitzie Levine Verne and Daniel Verne. Her father, Daniel, changed his surname from Verovitz to Verne. As of 2023, she is 76 years old.

Betsy Franco’s mother, Mitzie (née Levine), owned the prominent Verne Art Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio. She was an active member in the National Council of Jewish Women. Betsy earned a BA in studio art at Stanford University. She is a renowned children’s book author and occasional actress.

Betsy Franco is a former primary teacher

Betsy Franco is a former primary teacher. She is a children’s poet, picture book author, educational writer, screenwriter, actor, and producer. She is a poetry and math expert and educational consultant. She has authored over 80 books and educational materials for children and teachers.

Betsy Franco’s works include Riddle Poem of the Day, Graphic Organizers for Teaching Poetry Writing, and Poem of the Month Flip Chart. She is known for The Broken Tower (2011), Joan’s Day Out (2013), and Metamorphosis: Junior Year (2017). She is the writer of the screenplay for her novel Naked (optioned by Todd Traina/Red Rover Films).

Betsy Franco served as the screenwriting mentor for the film Metamorphosis: Junior Year, which was based on her YA novel and her script from the sold-out play of the same story. She has become very successful in her career. She has also served as an editor.

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Betsy has edited anthologies of poetry and prose written by teenagers, including You Hear Me? Poems and Writing by Teenage Boys (2001), Things I Have to Tell You: Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls (2001), Night Is Gone, Day Is Still Coming: Stories and Poems by American Indian Teens and Young Adults (2003), and Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers (2008).

Betsy Franco’s picture books for children include Birdsongs (2007); Pond Circle (2009), which was chosen as one of the Bank Street Best Books of the Year; and Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree (2009). She published the pedagogical guide Conversations with a Poet: Inviting Poetry into K–12 Classrooms (2005).

Betsy Franco has won accolades for her work. Her awards include ALA Best Book for Young Adults, New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, IRA Young Adults Choice, Booklist Top Ten Poetry Books for Young Adults, and NCTE Notable Poetry Book. She has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.

Aside from her work, Betsy Franco is famous because of her sons. Betsy was married to Douglas Eugene Franco who died in 2011. Douglas ran a Silicon Valley business, and was a “philanthropic entrepreneur”. They are the parents of Tom Franco, James Franco, and Dave Franco.

James Franco is an actor, producer, director, writer, and painter. Tom Franco is an actor, artist, and the founder of the Firehouse Art Collective in Berkeley, California. Dave Franco is an actor, voice actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. Betsy has had the chance to work with her children.

Betsy Franco revealed that: I am very lucky to be able to collaborate with my sons. I worked with my son James Franco on several film projects. I also acted in James’ film Broken Tower and played his mother in General Hospital. My son Tom Franco illustrated my novels and co-produced films with me. I can always rely on my son Dave Franco to help me with my screenplays, and he and James read the audiobook for Metamorphosis, Junior Year.

I am constantly inspired by the fearless creativity of my sons.

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Where Is Betsy Franco Now?

Betsy Franco reportedly lives in Palo Alto, California, where she is a member of the comedy troupe Suburban Squirrel. She is enjoying her life with her family and loved ones. She is believed to be in good health as there are no reports of her being sick or battling any health-related issues.