Al Franken
Born 1951 · Age 74
American comedian, writer, political commentator and former U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2009–2018). Gained fame on Saturday Night Live, authored best-selling political satire, hosted radio shows, and served in the U.S. Senate before resigning in 2018 amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Compare Your Trajectory
See how your career milestones stack up against Al Franken and other industry leaders.
Life & Career Timeline
Born in New York City
Alan Stuart Franken was born to Joseph Philip Franken and Phoebe Geraldine Franken in New York City.
Family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota
The Franken family moved from New York City to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where his father opened a quilting factory.
Family factory failed; moved to St. Louis Park
After Franken's father's quilting factory failed (about two years after opening), the family moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Graduated The Blake School
Franken graduated from The Blake School in Minnesota; he was a member of the wrestling team and performed comedy with friend Tom Davis.
Graduated Harvard College (A.B., political science)
Franken graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in political science; met future wife Franni Bryson while at Harvard.
Began performing at Brave New Workshop
After Harvard, Franken performed in Minneapolis's Brave New Workshop comedy troupe with Tom Davis, launching his comedy career.
Married Franni Bryson
Franken married Franni Bryson (marriage year commonly cited as 1975).
Became featured performer on SNL (first featured-player stint)
Franken served as a featured player/performer around the 1979–1980 season in addition to writing duties.
Left SNL with Lorne Michaels
Franken left Saturday Night Live at the end of the 1979–1980 season after Lorne Michaels left and a dispute with NBC president Fred Silverman.
Acting and other TV/film appearances
Appeared in a number of TV specials and concert/variety projects (e.g., concert video Dead Ahead) and continued to act in small roles.
Small role in Trading Places
Franken had a small on-screen role in the hit comedy film Trading Places (credited as a baggage handler).
Returned to SNL as writer and occasional performer
Franken returned to Saturday Night Live in 1985 and worked there until 1995 in writing/producing and performing roles.
Wrote/acted in One More Saturday Night
Franken and Tom Davis wrote the script for and appeared in the 1986 comedy film One More Saturday Night.
Published 'I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!'
Published a book of daily affirmations by Stuart Smalley (Random House, 1992).
Co-wrote film 'When a Man Loves a Woman'
Franken co-wrote (credited contributions) on the dramatic film When a Man Loves a Woman (1994).
Released film 'Stuart Saves His Family'
Franken wrote and starred in the feature film based on his SNL character Stuart Smalley; the film was a commercial and critical failure and contributed to Franken's depression.
Left SNL in protest
Franken left Saturday Night Live in 1995 after losing the Weekend Update anchor role to Norm Macdonald.
Grammy for audiobook
Franken's audiobook of Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot won a Grammy (mid-late 1990s; attributed to 1996-era release).
Published 'Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot'
Franken published his widely sold satirical political book in 1996, which became a New York Times bestseller; the audiobook (read by Franken) won a Grammy.
Created and starred in NBC sitcom 'LateLine'
Franken co-created and starred in the NBC sitcom LateLine (1998–1999), blending comedy and topical issues.
Published 'Why Not Me?' (parody campaign book)
Franken released a parody book that detailed a hypothetical 2000 presidential campaign; increased his profile as a political satirist.
Published 'Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them' and won Grammy
Released another satirical book criticizing the political right (2003); the audiobook won a Grammy Award.
Second Grammy Award
Franken won another Grammy for an audio project associated with Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (2003).
Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center
Franken served as a fellow at the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard.
Signed to host Air America talk show (one-year contract)
Signed a one-year contract to host a daily talk program on liberal Air America Radio; show originally titled 'The O'Franken Factor'.
Air America network launched
Air America Radio launched nationally on March 31, 2004; Franken's program was a flagship show for the network.
Show renamed 'The Al Franken Show'
Franken's Air America program was renamed from 'The O'Franken Factor' to 'The Al Franken Show' on July 12, 2004.
Moved toward Minnesota and launched political activism
By late 2005 Franken announced a move back to Minnesota and began preparations for a possible run for the U.S. Senate; started Midwest Values PAC.
Co-contributor to Huffington Post
Around this time Franken became a contributor to The Huffington Post.
Announced departure from Air America
Franken announced on January 29, 2007 that he would leave The Al Franken Show.
Formally announced U.S. Senate candidacy
On the final Air America broadcast of Feb 14, 2007, Franken announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from Minnesota (2008 election).
Q2 fundraising reported
Franken's 2nd-quarter 2007 fundraising reported at $1.9 million vs Norm Coleman's $1.6 million; cash-on-hand figures in early July showed Coleman $3.8M to Franken $2M.
Paid back taxes in multiple states
Franken subsequently paid around $70,000 in back income taxes in 17 states (dating back to 2003) after campaign disclosures.
Paid New York fine for workers' compensation noncompliance
During the 2008 campaign Franken paid a $25,000 fine to New York for Al Franken Inc. failing to carry required workers' compensation insurance for 2002–2005.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) endorsement
Franken won the DFL endorsement for the U.S. Senate race in Minnesota (June 7, 2008).
Election night: initial results show Coleman leading
On Nov 4, 2008 preliminary counts had Norm Coleman leading Franken by over 700 votes on election night in a very close race.
Official results certified with Coleman ahead by 215 votes
Minnesota officials certified the Nov 2008 results on Nov 18 showing Coleman ahead by 215 votes, triggering an automatic recount.
Recount certified: Franken ahead by 225 votes
Following the mandatory recount, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board on Jan 5, 2009 certified Franken ahead by 225 votes.
Presented USO Metro Merit Award
On March 25, 2009 Franken was presented with the USO Metro Merit Award for around ten years of involvement with the United Service Organizations.
Three-judge panel orders counting of disputed absentee ballots; Franken lead rises to 312
A trial before a three-judge panel ruled that 351 absentee ballots should be counted, increasing Franken's lead to 312 votes (April 7, 2009).
Minnesota Supreme Court rejects Coleman's appeal; Franken certified winner
On June 30, 2009 the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously rejected Coleman's appeal and Franken was certified; Coleman conceded shortly after.
Sworn into U.S. Senate
Franken was sworn into the U.S. Senate on July 7, 2009 (246 days after the election), taking the oath on Paul Wellstone's Bible.
Presided over Sonia Sotomayor confirmation vote
On Aug 6, 2009 Franken presided over the Senate confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
Viral Minnesota State Fair conversation
A civil, widely circulated video showed Franken discussing health care reform with Tea Party protesters at the Minnesota State Fair (Sept 2, 2009).
Authored Medical Loss Ratio amendment to ACA
Franken authored the Medical Loss Ratio amendment (requiring insurers to spend at least 80% of premiums on health care) that became part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010).
Proposed financial-reform amendment on credit rating conflict
In May 2010 Franken proposed an amendment to create a board to assign which credit rating agency would evaluate securities; it initially passed but was later watered down.
Facial expressions during Mitch McConnell speech
Franken made faces and gestures while Mitch McConnell spoke against Elena Kagan's nomination (Aug 2010); he later apologized to McConnell.
Arbitration limits bill passed (relating to workplace sexual assault cases)
Franken introduced an amendment to prevent defense contracts for companies that require arbitration for sexual assault/discrimination claims; the Senate passed it Nov 2010 by 68–30.
Estimated net worth reported
Ballotpedia/OpenSecrets aggregate estimated Franken's net worth around $8.56M (average of reported range) in 2012.
Received Stewart B. McKinney Award
Franken received the Stewart B. McKinney Award in 2013 for his work fighting homelessness.
Won DFL primary for reelection
Franken won the Democratic (DFL) primary on Aug 12, 2014 with 94.5% of the vote.
Re-elected to U.S. Senate
Franken was reelected to a second term in the U.S. Senate on Nov 4, 2014, receiving 53.2% of the vote against Republican Mike McFadden.
Political action committee fundraising milestone
By late 2015 Franken's political action committee had raised more than $5 million in donations.
Signed AIPAC-sponsored letter re: UN resolution
In Sept 2016 Franken signed an AIPAC-sponsored letter urging President Obama to veto one-sided UN resolutions against Israel ahead of UN Security Council resolution 2334.
PAC raised $3.3 million in 2016
Franken's PAC raised $3.3 million in 2016, aiding Democratic efforts and fundraising reach.
Published memoir 'Al Franken, Giant of the Senate'
Franken published a memoir about his Senate career in 2017.
Voted for Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
In July 2017 Franken voted in favor of sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea (CAATSA).
Leeann Tweeden alleges forcible kiss (2006 incident revealed)
On Nov 16, 2017 broadcaster Leeann Tweeden alleged Franken forcibly kissed and groped her during a 2006 USO tour; included a photo showing Franken with hands above her chest while she slept.
Franken issues apology
Franken issued an apology hours after Tweeden's allegation; later issued a longer apology accepted by Tweeden.
Senate Ethics Committee investigation announced
On Nov 30, 2017 the Senate Ethics Committee announced it was investigating allegations against Franken; leaders transmitted the allegations to the committee.
Multiple additional allegations emerge; calls for resignation escalate
On Dec 6, 2017, multiple additional women came forward with accusations of inappropriate touching and groping; over two dozen Senate Democrats publicly called on Franken to resign.
Announced intention to resign
On Dec 7, 2017 Franken announced he would resign his Senate seat (declared he would step down in coming weeks).
Period of clinical depression after resignation
Franken later said he became clinically depressed after his resignation and required medication during that period.
Resigned from U.S. Senate
Franken officially resigned his Senate seat on Jan 2, 2018; Governor Mark Dayton appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to serve until a special election.
New Yorker Jane Mayer reporting on allegations' inconsistencies
Reporting in 2019 by Jane Mayer documented substantial inaccuracies in Tweeden's allegations; several senators expressed regret for calling for Franken's immediate resignation.
Started 'The Al Franken Podcast'
In May 2019 Franken launched The Al Franken Podcast as part of his return to public life.
Announced SiriusXM show 'The Al Franken Show'
In September 2019 Franken announced he would host a Saturday-morning program, The Al Franken Show, on SiriusXM covering politics and global affairs.
Moved back to New York City (Upper West Side)
In summer 2021 Franken relocated from Minnesota back to New York City's Upper West Side.
Solo theater show 'The Only Former US Senator Currently on Tour Tour'
In fall 2021 Franken began a non-comedic solo theater show (first post-quarantine live show) in Northampton, MA; the tour continued into 2022.
Said he regretted resigning and might run again
In Feb 2022 Franken stated in a Washington Post Live interview that he regretted resigning and might run for public office again.
Guest-hosted The Daily Show
In March 2023 Franken guest-hosted The Daily Show after Trevor Noah's departure.
Acting role in Netflix series 'The Residence'
Franken took his first acting role in 27 years as a U.S. senator in the Netflix comedy-mystery series The Residence (reported as 2025).
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Al Franken and others achieved at these notable ages:
Similar Trajectories
Peter Norvig
Born 1956 · Age 69
American computer scientist, co-author of 'Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach', long-time Google research leader, and Distinguished Education Fellow at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI.
Meg Whitman
Born 1956 · Age 69
American business executive, diplomat and politician; long-time CEO of eBay (1998–2008) and Hewlett-Packard/Hewlett Packard Enterprise (2011–2018); 2010 Republican candidate for Governor of California; U.S. Ambassador to Kenya (2022–2024).
Guido van Rossum
Born 1956 · Age 69
Dutch programmer; creator of the Python programming language; former BDFL of Python; Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft.
Rob Pike
Born 1956 · Age 69
Canadian programmer and author; member of the Unix team at Bell Labs; contributor to Plan 9, Inferno, UTF-8; co-creator of Go; longtime Google engineer and author/co-author of influential books on programming.
Leo Laporte
Born 1956 · Age 69
American technology broadcaster, author, podcaster and entrepreneur; founder of the TWiT podcast network and longtime host of tech TV and radio shows including This Week in Tech and The Tech Guy.
Hal Finney
Born 1956 · Age 69
American computer scientist, cryptographer and cypherpunk; early PGP developer, inventor of reusable proof-of-work (RPoW), first recipient of a Bitcoin transaction, ALS patient and cryonics proponent.