James Franco Makes Debut On ‘General Hospital’

James Franco made his debut on “General Hospital” on Friday playing a character with a name close to the actor’s heart – his own.

While the full details of his character weren’t made totally clear on the episode, the “Milk” star is playing Franco, a mysterious artist that appears to take some inspiration from British artist Banksy, a graffiti artist who has risen to fame in real life over the last decade.

Like the real life British artist who rarely appears in public, Franco’s character was described by other characters on the show (Kate and Maxie) as being known for his work with a spray paint can. And his first scene saw Franco dressed like he was homeless, in a battered jacket, a hat, and spray painting a wall.

“Spare some change?” was the actor’s first line, and it was one that “General Hospital” referred to later on as his storyline unraveled some more.

During the episode, Franco witnessed a mob shoot out and ended up seeing the man who refused to give him change earlier in the episode, lying on the ground in need of help. The man was injured as a result of a shoot out with mobsters Sonny and Jason, who fled the scene, aware they’d left a witness.

As he watched the man die, Franco said to the man who ignored him earlier, “Keep the change.”

Later, Franco appeared in an artist’s studio where he was cleaned up by his British assistant/love interest, played by Marsha Thomason, who “Lost” fans will remember as Brit Naomi.

The show ended with Franco apparently on his way to his art show and Jason trying to figure out who he was.