Julia Lazar Franco, widely known to the public as the wife of American actor and artist Tom Franco, was far more than a celebrity spouse. She was a deeply creative soul whose talents extended across music, culinary arts, and community-driven artistic work. Her journey reflects resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creativity, even during life’s most challenging moments. This article explores Julia Lazar Franco’s life, highlighting her achievements, personal story, and the lasting impact she left behind.
Table of Contents
- Quick Bio
- Early Life and Background
- Career Achievements
- Music Career
- Culinary Arts
- Contribution to the Art Community
- Julia Lazar Franco Parents
- Siblings
- Meet and Marriage with Tom Franco
- Who is Tom Franco?
- Julia Lazar Franco Died After a Month of Her Marriage to Tom Franco
- Julia Lazar Franco’s Net Worth
- Conclusion
- FAQs About Julia Lazar Franco
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julia Lazar Franco |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Vienna, Austria |
| Date of Death | August 25, 2014 |
| Cause of Death | Kidney Failure & Hepatitis C |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Age at Death | 57 |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Ethnicity | Austrian |
| Nationality | Austrian-American |
| Parents | Imre Lazar & Marika Nagy |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Famous For | Being Tom Franco’s Wife |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Tom Franco |
| Children | 1 (Dawn from first marriage) |
| Profession | Musician, Culinary Artist |
| Net Worth at Death | $1 Million |
Early Life and Background
Julia Lazar Franco was born on November 7, 1957, in Vienna, Austria—a city globally celebrated for its artistic and musical heritage. Growing up in a highly creative household, Julia was surrounded by artistic inspiration from an early age. Her father, Imre Lazar, worked as a respected movie producer, while her mother, Marika Nagy, was a gifted painter. Their influence played a key role in shaping Julia’s creative mindset.
Although she later relocated to the United States, Julia remained strongly connected to her European roots. Her artistic development continued through formal education, including professional training at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Paris. There, she refined her culinary expertise, blending creativity with refined technique.
Career Achievements
Music Career
Before becoming publicly associated with Tom Franco, Julia Lazar Franco had already built a strong identity in the music world. She served as the lead singer of the rock band Exit, where her commanding vocals and expressive performances earned her recognition within the music scene. Known for her emotional depth and fearless experimentation, Julia’s music resonated with audiences and showcased her artistic confidence.
Culinary Arts
After her time in music, Julia redirected her creative energy toward the culinary field. With formal training from Le Cordon Bleu, she approached cooking as an art form. Her work emphasized flavor balance, visual presentation, and emotional connection.
For Julia, food was more than simple nourishment; it was treated as a creative experience designed to inspire and unite people.
Contribution to the Art Community
Julia later became closely involved with the Firehouse Art Collective, founded by Tom Franco in California. Her role extended beyond management; she actively supported artists, helped organize exhibitions, and fostered an inclusive environment for creative expression. Her dedication helped the collective grow into a thriving artistic hub, encouraging collaboration and community-building.
Julia Lazar Franco Parents
Father: Imre Lazar
Profession: Movie Producer
Imre Lazar was a well-known figure in film production. His work exposed Julia to creative industries early in life, contributing to her interest in performance, storytelling, and artistic exploration.
Mother: Marika Nagy
Profession: Painter
Marika Nagy was a skilled visual artist whose passion for painting deeply influenced Julia. Her mother’s artistic discipline and creativity were reflected in Julia’s diverse artistic pursuits.
Siblings

James Franco
Born: April 19, 1978
Profession: Actor, Filmmaker
James Franco is a widely recognized American actor and filmmaker, known for films such as Spider-Man, 127 Hours, and Pineapple Express. His career spans acting, directing, and writing.
Dave Franco
Born: June 12, 1985
Profession: Actor, Filmmaker
Dave Franco is an American actor known for movies like Neighbors and Now You See Me. He gradually rose to prominence through consistent performances in both comedy and drama.
Meet and Marriage with Tom Franco

The couple married on July 28, 2014, in a hospital solarium due to Julia’s declining health. Although their marriage lasted only a short time, it symbolized profound love, commitment, and emotional strength during a difficult period.
Who is Tom Franco?
Tom Franco is an American actor, visual artist, and the founder of the Firehouse Art Collective in Berkeley, California. Born on April 14, 1980, in Palo Alto, he is the middle brother of James and Dave Franco. Tom is widely recognized for his work in independent films, including The Disaster Artist, while actively dedicating himself to community-focused art initiatives.
Julia Lazar Franco Died After a Month of Her Marriage to Tom Franco
Julia Lazar Franco passed away on August 25, 2014, just one month after marrying Tom Franco. Her death resulted from complications related to kidney failure and hepatitis C. Despite her failing health, the couple’s marriage represented a powerful moment of love and unity. Her passing deeply affected her family, friends, and the artistic community she supported.
Julia Lazar Franco’s Net Worth
At the time of her death, Julia Lazar Franco’s estimated net worth was approximately $1 million. This amount reflected her diverse career as a musician and culinary artist and her involvement in the Firehouse Art Collective. Her financial legacy mirrored her lifelong dedication to creative work. Find full details and stories at easylifemag.
Conclusion
Julia Lazar Franco lived a life defined by creativity, compassion, and resilience. She was an accomplished musician, a trained culinary artist, a supportive art community leader, and a devoted mother. Ultimately, her story reminds us that fame alone does not define artistic impact; instead, it comes from the lives she inspires and the communities she nurtures.
FAQs About Julia Lazar Franco
Who was Julia Lazar Franco?
Julia Lazar Franco was an Austrian-American artist who made her mark in music, culinary arts, and community-based art initiatives. She is also widely recognized as the wife of Tom Franco.
What was Julia Lazar Franco known for before marrying Tom Franco?
Before her marriage, Julia gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band Exit and showcased her expertise through professional culinary training and creative work.
How did Julia Lazar Franco and Tom Franco meet?
They met in 2003 at a Bay Area ashram, where they connected through shared spiritual and artistic interests.
What caused Julia Lazar Franco’s death?
She died due to complications from kidney failure and Hepatitis C on August 25, 2014.
How did Julia Lazar Franco support the art community?
She played a vital role at the Firehouse Art Collective by supporting artists, organizing events, and fostering collaboration within the creative community.