Mitzie Levine Verne was the grandmama of celebrated actor James Franco. But that was not all. The lady was intelligent, witty, and vibrant. She was from Cleveland, Ohio, and became best known in the art world. Everyone in her city adored and admired her.
Mitzie was born in 1922 and was raised in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. Her father, Judge Manuel Levine, immigrated to the U.S. from Russia and served as the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals.
Quick Facts About Mitzie Levine Verne
| Full Name | Mitzie Levine Verne |
| Birthdate | 1922 |
| Occupation | Art Gallery Co-Founder, Cultural Advocate |
| Husband | Dan Verne |
| Education | Flora Stone Mather College (Psychology), Harvard-Radcliffe Management Program |
| Age (at Death) | 93 years |
| Died | 2016 |
| Parents | Father: Manuel Levine (Chief Justice, Court of Appeals) |
| Children | Betsy Franco (James Franco’s mother) |
| Grandchildren | James Franco, Dave Franco, Tom Franco |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Education and Early Life
Mitzie was an intelligent student. She graduated from high school at Cleveland Heights High School. She then attended Flora Stone Mather College and obtained a degree in psychology in 1944. She immediately enrolled in the Harvard-Radcliffe Management Trainee Program, which was a big success, particularly for women during her time.
She and her future husband, Dan Verne, met while still in high school. They were wed in 1945. Dan was in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. They spent two years in Japan with their young daughters during the Korean War.
How Japan Changed Their Lives
During their time in Japan, Mitzie and Dan became enamored with Japanese paintings and prints. Their lives were changed forever. Upon their return to Cleveland, they opened an art gallery named the Verne Collection. It specialized in Japanese prints and paintings. The gallery was located in Little Italy, a famous section of the city.
The gallery was extremely popular. Individuals from far and wide visited to see the artwork. Mitzie and Dan’s interest in Japanese culture never wavered. Once they were gone, their son Michael Verne became the owner of the gallery. He is James Franco’s uncle and operates the gallery to this day.
A Grandmother Like No Other
Mitzie had three grandsons named James, Dave, and Tom Franco. She loved them so much and was also proud of their achievements. She even attended the Academy Awards when James hosted in 2011. She gained fame for a joke that she cracked. When some people did not like James’s film 127 Hours, she termed them as “pussies.” It made people laugh and exposed her fearless nature.
She also featured in comedy clips and even stepped onto the red carpet with James. She enjoyed having her family around and did not hide from the limelight. She enjoyed herself with her grandsons and supported them in all that they did.
Her Family of Artists
Mitzie’s daughter is Betsy Franco, the mother of the Franco brothers. Betsy is a poet, writer, and editor. She passed her passion for art and writing to her sons. Nowadays, all three Franco brothers are famous for their careers in movies, writing, and visual arts. It’s not surprising that the family loves creativity so much.
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A Lasting Legacy
Mitzie Verne died on May 1, 2016, a few days shy of her 94th birthday. Her grandson James wrote a sentimental note on social media stating that she had lived a wonderful life. He referred to her as “the best.” Her memory lives on through the friends and family she loved and the artwork she facilitated sharing with the world.
Her gallery, the Verne Collection, remains stable. It is among the highest respected Japanese art galleries in America. Through her efforts, numerous individuals came to adore and comprehend Japanese culture.
