News

Star-struck in East Rockaway

Actor James Franco films scenes from upcoming movie "Michael"

Posted

Alexa DelCarpine, 17, an incoming senior at East Rockaway High School, met actor James Franco on Aug. 20 when he took a break from filming a movie scene at her school.

Franco greeted dozens of fans who waited outside of the high school last week while the star was there for two days of filming his upcoming movie “Michael,” the true story of gay activist Michael Glatz, who became an anti-gay Christian pastor.

The 36-year-old actor, known for his roles in “Spider-Man,” “127 Hours” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” posed with a group for one photo, but DelCarpine was one of the few who got one-on-one time with Franco. “It was the best day of my life!” she said. “He was very nice — and he smelled so good!”

This is the second time this summer that a major movie studio has used East Rockaway as a backdrop. On June 12, Tina Fey filmed a scene for her upcoming movie “The Nest” on Atlantic Avenue, near Main Street.

“East Rockaway High School is honored to have been selected for participation in this project,” said Principal Joe Spero. “The cast and crew brought an exciting energy and chance for some members of our community to mingle with the stars.”

“East Rockaway High School is honored to have been selected for participation in this project. The cast and crew brought an exciting energy and chance for some members of our community to mingle with the stars. We’ve had Broadway by the Bay, network TV from Smash, and now “Hollywood” by the Bay!”