Actor James Franco to visit campus

Occasional serious actor, comedian and sometimes college instructor James Franco will make an appearance at Syracuse University this September.

University Union announced via Twitter Sunday evening that Franco would speak at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, in Goldstein Auditorium. Tickets for Franco’s visit, organized through University Union and the Traditions Commission, go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday through the Schine Student Center Box Office. Orange Central, SU’s homecoming and alumni weekend, is scheduled for Sept. 12 - 18.

Tickets, limited to three per person, are $10 for students, $15 for alumni and $20 for the general public. They can be purchased at the Schine Box Office or online through http://boxoffice.syr.edu.

Franco, 38, found success in the cult television show Freaks and Geeks. He is also known for roles in Spider-Man, Pineapple Express and Milk. He received a Golden Globe for 2001’s TV biographical film James Dean and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in 2010’s 127 Hours.

Franco has also taught film classes at the high school and collegiate level, including at New York University and University of Southern California.

Franco was in the area last May, when he spoke at Cornell University’s Class of 2016. There, he revealed to students at the senior convocation that he was accepted to Cornell, but instead attended the University of California, Los Angeles, according to the Cornell Chronicle.

“Because I’ve pursued what interests me and what excites me, my life is mine to control. And that’s my little bit of wisdom to you,” Franco told students, according to the Chronicle. “Don’t be afraid to be beginners. Don’t think that this marks the end of your learning – this should be the start.” 

So far, Franco’s visit is the first major entertainment announcement for the fall from University Union. University Union has yet to announce the performers for Juice Jam, campus’ major fall concert scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25.

Image: AlliePooh13/Flickr