DeVon Franklin: Producer, Author, and Faith Leader in Hollywood
DeVon Franklin stands out as a powerful voice in movies, books, and faith. He produces hit films that inspire millions. He writes books that guide people through tough times. He preaches messages of hope and purpose. Many turn to DeVon Franklin for real advice on career success, strong relationships, and living with deep faith. Born in Oakland, California, he turned early challenges into big wins. This article explores his full story, from childhood to today.
Who Is DeVon Franklin?
DeVon Franklin entered the world on April 13, 1978, in Oakland, California. That makes him 47 years old now, answering the common search How old is Devon Franklin. He grew up in a family full of love but was hit hard by loss. His father, Donald Ray Franklin, died from a heart attack at age 36. This happened when DeVon Franklin was just a boy. His parents had separated earlier. His mother, Paulette Franklin, took charge. She raised DeVon Franklin and his two brothers, Donald Ray Franklin Jr. and David Brandon Franklin. A strong grandmother and seven aunts helped too. Their names include Aunt Nuna, Aunt Jayne, Aunt Ida, Aunt Enis, Aunt Chrystal, Aunt Donna, and Aunt Sondra. Faith filled their home. Church became a safe spot for DeVon Franklin.
Young DeVon Franklin faced pain but found ways to cope. He threw himself into schoolwork. He joined theater groups. Church activities kept him busy. At age 15, DeVon Franklin preached his first sermon. Shows like The Cosby Show and The Color Purple sparked his love for stories. These early steps shaped DeVon Franklin into the leader he is today.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He added a minor in Cinema-Television. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2000. This smart mix prepared DeVon Franklin for Hollywood. He always put faith first. People often ask who Devon Franklin is. He is a film producer, author, motivational speaker, preacher, and spiritual advisor. His American nationality and urban background connect with diverse groups.
DeVon Franklin Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | DeVon Franklin |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Age (as of November 2025) | 47 |
| Nationality | American |
| Professions | Film producer, author, motivational speaker, preacher, spiritual advisor |
| Family Background | Son of Donald Ray Franklin (deceased at age 36 from heart attack) and Paulette Franklin; two brothers: Donald Ray Franklin Jr. and David Brandon Franklin; raised by mother, grandmother, and seven aunts (Aunt Nuna, Aunt Jayne, Aunt Ida, Aunt Enis, Aunt Chrystal, Aunt Donna, Aunt Sondra) after parents’ separation |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Cinema-Television from the University of Southern California (graduated 2000) |
| Early Life | Grew up in Oakland; coped with father’s death by focusing on academics, theater, and church activities; preached first sermon at age 15; influenced by films like The Cosby Show and The Color Purple |
| Career Start | Interned at Overbrook Entertainment (Will Smith and James Lassiter) while at USC; full-time junior executive at Edmonds Entertainment post-graduation |
| Key Career Milestones | Creative executive at MGM (2003), contributed to Be Cool; Director of Development at Columbia Pictures (2005), oversaw The Pursuit of Happyness, Hancock, Seven Pounds; VP of Production at Columbia (2009), supervised Jumping the Broom, Sparkle, The Karate Kid; Senior VP of Production (2012), developed Heaven Is for Real and Annie; Founded Franklin Entertainment (2014) with first-look deals at Sony and later 20th Century Fox/Paramount/CBS; Produced TV series Kingdom Business (2022) with Kirk Franklin |
| Notable Films Produced | The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Heaven Is for Real (2014), Miracles from Heaven (2016), The Star (2017), Breakthrough (2019), Flamin’ Hot (2023), Jesus Revolution (2023); upcoming: R&B (Netflix with Tyler Perry), The Boy Who Knew Too Much, He-Man reboot, Cooley High remake |
| Books Authored | Produced by Faith (2012), The Wait (2016, NYT bestseller co-authored with Meagan Good), The Hollywood Commandments (2017), The Truth About Men (2019), Live Free (2021); audio memoir It Takes A Woman (Audible Original, 2025) |
| Notable Achievements | One of Hollywood Reporter’s youngest executives under 35; NAACP Top 10 Industry Impact Player; Oprah’s SuperSoul100 list; Beliefnet’s Most Influential Christians Under 40; Variety’s Top 10 Producers to Watch; Ebony’s Top 100 Influential African-Americans; Frequent media appearances on Good Morning America, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, The Today Show |
| Personal Life: First Marriage | Married actress Meagan Good on June 16, 2012, in Malibu, CA (practiced celibacy pre-marriage); divorced June 2022 (filed December 2021, mutual decision citing personal growth) |
| Personal Life: Current Marriage | Married Maria Castillo (celebrity fitness trainer, age ~30) on August 2, 2025, at Casa Lago in Beverly Hills, CA; began dating in 2024; did not cohabitate pre-marriage |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth (2025 Estimate) | $5 million (from film production, book sales, speaking fees, TV deals) |
| Recent Updates (2025) | Released audio memoir It Takes A Woman; appeared at Essence Festival of Culture; producing faith-based projects blending entertainment and spirituality; active as a relationship expert on Married at First Sight |
Early Steps in Hollywood: Building a Strong Base
DeVon Franklin started at the bottom. While in college, he interned at Overbrook Entertainment. That company belongs to Will Smith and James Lassiter. He learned key skills there. After graduation, DeVon Franklin landed a full-time job as a junior executive at Edmonds Entertainment.
In 2003, he joined MGM as a creative executive. He worked on the film Be Cool. By 2005, DeVon Franklin moved to Columbia Pictures. He became Director of Development. He oversaw big projects like The Pursuit of Happyness, Hancock, and Seven Pounds. These Devon Franklin movies starred top actors and earned praise.
DeVon Franklin climbed fast. In 2009, he rose to Vice President of Production at Columbia. He supervised Jumping the Broom, Sparkle, and The Karate Kid. By 2012, he was Senior Vice President of Production. He developed Heaven Is for Real and Annie. The Hollywood Reporter named DeVon Franklin one of the youngest executives under 35. This milestone showed his talent.
In 2014, DeVon Franklin founded Franklin Entertainment. He signed first-look deals with Sony. Later, he worked with 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and CBS. In 2022, he produced the TV series Kingdom Business with Kirk Franklin. Note: Is Devon Franklin related to Kirk Franklin? No, they share a last name but come from different families.
Key milestones appear in the biography table above. These steps prove DeVon Franklin builds success step by step.
DeVon Franklin Movies That Change Lives
Devon Franklin movies blend faith, hope, and real stories. They earn money and touch hearts. The biography table lists the top ones. The Pursuit of Happyness came out in 2006. It stars Will Smith. The film shows a dad’s fight for his son. The box office reached over $307 million worldwide. Heaven Is for Real was released in 2014. It tells a true story of a boy who sees heaven. The movie earned $101 million globally. Miracles from Heaven hit screens in 2016. A girl heals after a fall. It made $73 million. The story is based on a book. The Star arrived in 2017. This fun animated Christmas tale features voices like Oprah Winfrey. A breakthrough came in 2019. A boy survives an ice accident through prayer. Flamin’ Hot launched in 2023. A Latino janitor invents hot Cheetos. The film streams on Hulu and Disney+. Jesus Revolution was also released in 2023. It covers a 1970s faith revival.
Upcoming Devon Franklin movies excite fans. Look for R&B on Netflix with Tyler Perry. Also expect The Boy Who Knew Too Much, a He-Man reboot, and a Cooley High remake. The table details these projects.
Why do these Devon Franklin movies rank high? They offer clean, uplifting content. Families watch together. Faith groups love them. For full credits, check his IMDb page1.
Box office highlights show clear wins. The Pursuit of Happyness earned $307 million. Heaven Is for Real brought in $101 million. Miracles from Heaven collected $73 million. These numbers prove DeVon Franklin makes smart, profitable films.
Books by DeVon Franklin: Simple Guides for Daily Life
DeVon Franklin shares wisdom in easy books. They help with work, love, and peace. His first book, Produced by Faith released in 2012. It compares life to a movie. God directs if you let Him. The biography table lists all titles.
The Wait came out in 2016. This New York Times bestseller was co-authored with Meagan Good. It teaches patience in dating. They practiced celibacy before marriage. The Hollywood Commandments were published in 2017. It offers success tips with values. The Truth About Men arrived in 2019. It gives an honest talk on manhood and faith. Live Free launched in 2021. It helps fight stress and anxiety.
In 2025, DeVon Franklin released an audio memoir. It Takes A Woman appears on Audible. The memoir shares personal stories.
Tips from The Wait include waiting for real love. Do not rush into bad relationships. Build self-worth first. Focus on goals. Pray together. Include faith in dating. Many ask why Meggan Good and Devon Franklin divorced after this book. More details will come later. The lessons still help.
Easy steps from Live Free start with praying every morning. Begin with thanks. Say no to extra worry. Set clear limits. Trust God’s plan. Let go of control. Forgive quickly. Free your heart. These fit busy adults in their 20s to 50s. Read more on his official site2.
DeVon Franklin Faith Role: Preacher and Advisor
Is Devon Franklin a pastor? Yes, he is ordained. He preached young. What church does Devon Franklin pastor? He doesn’t lead one full-time. DeVon Franklin speaks at events worldwide. He bridges Hollywood and the church.
He appears on Good Morning America, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, and The Today Show. Oprah put DeVon Franklin on her SuperSoul100 list. Beliefnet named him a top Christian under 40. Variety called him a producer to watch. Ebony listed him in the top 100 African-Americans. The NAACP honored his impact. The biography table covers these achievements.
DeVon Franklin advises on Married at First Sight in 2025. He blends faith with real talk.
Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Growth
Fans search for Devon Franklin wife often. Who is Devon Franklin married to now? María Castillo. But the story starts earlier.
DeVon Franklin met actress Meagan Good on a film set in 2011. They married on June 16, 2012, in Malibu, California. They waited for sex until marriage. This matched The Wait. Who was Devon Franklin married to? Meagan was Devon Franklin first wife. The table details this marriage.
They split in December 2021. Divorce was finalized in June 2022. When did Meghan Good and Devon Franklin divorce? Filed 2021, final 2022. Why did Devon Franklin and Meagan Good divorce? Mutual choice. They prayed a lot. Cited personal growth. No drama. Why did Devon Franklin divorce Meghan Good? Same reason – growing apart. Why did Meagan Good divorce Devon Franklin? They stayed friends. Why did Devon Franklin leave Meghan Good? No leaving; joint decision.
After, people asked who Devon Franklin is dating. In 2024, he started with Maria Castillo. She is a celebrity fitness trainer, around age 30. maria castillo age and Devon Franklin difference isn’t public. They dated in 2024. Devon Franklin is engaged to Maria. Devon Franklin fiance before the wedding.
They married on August 2, 2025, at Casa Lago in Beverly Hills. Devin Franklin new wife is Maria. Maria Castillo and Devon Franklin didn’t live together before. This honors faith. Read their exclusive on People3. The table updates this current marriage.
Devon Franklin children? None. Devon Franklin kids? No public info. He focuses on marriage now.
No Devon Franklin girlfriend after divorce until Maria. No Devon Franklin new girlfriend rumors. Who is Devon Franklin dating now? Married, so no.
Devon Franklin twin brother? No twin. Just two brothers. No relation to Kirk Franklin.
DeVon Franklin Net Worth: Earnings from Hard Work
Devon Franklin net worth is estimated to have hit $5 million in 2025. Sources include film production, book sales, speaking fees, and TV deals. The biography table confirms this estimate.
He gives back, too. Lives well but stays humble.
Net worth breakdown shows producing at $3 million. Books add $1 million. Speaking brings $500,000. Other sources contribute $500,000.
Growth started under $1 million in 2010. It reached $3 million by 2015. The figure hit $6 million in 2020. Now it stands at $5 million or more with conservative views.
Recent Wins in 2025: New Projects and Talks
DeVon Franklin stays busy. He released It Takes A Woman audio memoir. He appeared at the Essence Festival of Culture. He produces more faith projects. These blend fun and spirit. The table notes these 2025 updates.
He advises on relationships. He helps couples build strong bonds.
Why DeVon Franklin Connects with You
If you are 20-50, career-driven, faith-seeking, DeVon Franklin speaks to you. Urban pros love his story. Creatives see a role model. Black audiences find representation. All learn to mix work and values. Explore another Hollywood success in George Clooney’s net worth.
Primary fans include faith pros 20-45. They want success with purpose. Young adults need dating tips.
Secondary groups cover self-help seekers, families, and couples.
You consume books, films, and podcasts. Join his masterclass for less stress.
Actionable advice from DeVon Franklin starts with reading one book. Begin with Produced by Faith. Watch a movie. Try Miracles from Heaven. Pray daily. Build the habit. Set goals. Include faith. Seek community. Join groups.
Deep Dive: How Faith Shapes His Work
DeVon Franklin says no to projects against values. This sets him apart. In Hollywood, money rules. He chases meaning.
Example comes from Flamin’ Hot. An underdog wins with grit and faith.
Fans share stories. A teacher waited for love like The Wait. A producer kept the integrity of his book.
Relationship Lessons for Today
DeVon Franklin teaches communication. Talk goals. Honor boundaries. Wait if needed. Grow together. Support dreams.
These fit singles, married, or divorced people.
Family Focus: No Kids, Strong Ties
Devon Franklin and Maria Castillo built life on faith. They pray together. No cohabiting pre-marriage kept purity.
He values mom, brothers, and aunts. They ground him.
Awards and Honors: Proof of Impact
Hollywood Reporter named a young exec. NAACP gave the top impact. Oprah added to SuperSoul100. Variety listed producer watch. Ebony is included in the top 100. The table lists these honors.
The media loves DeVon Franklin. He inspires across groups.
2025 Updates: Memoir and More
DeVon Franklin launched his audio memoir, It Takes A Woman, on Audible in 2025. The story honors his mom, Paulette, and seven aunts who raised him. Devon Franklin spoke at the Essence Festival on purpose and faith. He produces new films that mix fun with spiritual lessons. Devon Franklin serves as a relationship expert on Married at First Sight.
Building Your Path Like DeVon Franklin
Study hard and mix business with creative skills like DeVon Franklin did at USC. Intern early to learn real Hollywood work. Stay faithful and say no to wrong projects. Write ideas in books or notes every day. Speak up and share your message with the world. Visit devonfranklin.com4 for the Live Braves masterclass.
Movies in Detail: Stories That Stick
A breakthrough shows a mom’s prayer brings her son back from death. Devon Franklin movies, like Jesus Revolution, tell 1970s faith revivals. He produced over 20 films that won hearts and awards. Each story sticks with viewers for years. Devon Franklin blends truth and hope on screen.
Net Worth Over Time
Devon Franklin net worth was under $1 million in 2010. It grew to $3 million by 2015 from film hits. The figure hit $6 million in 2020 with book sales. Now in 2025, Devon Franklin net worth stands at $5 million plus. Earnings come from deals, books, and speaking.
Divorce Full Story: Respect Remains
Devon Franklin divorced Meagan Good and devon franklin in June 2022. They announced the split in December 2021 after prayer. Why did Devon Franklin divorce Meghan Good? Different growth paths. The couple parted as friends with no blame. They still support each other today.
New Love: Maria Castillo Details
Devon Franklin new wife, Maria Castill, is a fitness trainer. Maria Castillo and Devon Franklin were wed on August 2, 2025, in Beverly Hills. They dated from 2024 and kept faith rules. Devon Franklin wife, Maria, brings joy and shared values. The couple dreams of quiet nights and future pets.
Preaching Style: Simple and Strong
DeVon Franklin preaches purpose using movie examples. He speaks plain words about faith in daily life. Devon Franklin impacts thousands at events and online. He holds no fixed church but travels widely. Is Devon Franklin a pastor? Yes, ordained and active.
Book Breakdowns
Produced by Faith treats God as the producer.
The Hollywood Commandments give 10 rules for success.
Each stays easy. Grade 2 words.
Audience Match
DeVon Franklin started his career with an internship at Overbrook Entertainment while he studied at the University of Southern California, and he took a full-time junior executive role at Edmonds Entertainment right after graduation in 2000.
He joined MGM as a creative executive in 2003 and worked on the film Be Cool, then moved to Columbia Pictures in 2005 to become Director of Development, where he oversaw The Pursuit of Happyness, Hancock, and Seven Pounds.
By 2009, he rose to Vice President of Production at Columbia and supervised Jumping the Broom, Sparkle, and The Karate Kid, followed by his promotion to Senior Vice President of Production in 2012, when he developed Heaven Is for Real and Annie.
He founded Franklin Entertainment in 2014 with first-look deals at Sony and later expanded to 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and CBS, and in 2022, he produced the TV series Kingdom Business with Kirk Franklin.
See faith in acting with Nicola Coughlan.
Tips to Reduce Stress
- Journal your fears each day.
- Take a walk while you pray.
- Call family to stay close.
- Read the Bible for 10 minutes.
Film Impacts
DeVon Franklin’s movies earn big cash and warm hearts. Heaven Is for Real made $101 million and shows that faith sells well. Families watch it again and again for hope. Miracles from Heaven pulled $73 million with a true healing tale. Kids and parents find strength in these repeated views. His films prove that good stories last forever in homes.
Success Timeline
| Year | Event |
| 2011 | Meets Meagan Good |
| 2012 | Marries Meagan Good |
| 2021 | Announces split from Meagan Good |
| 2024 | Begins dating Maria Castillo |
| 2025 | Marries Maria Castillo |
Pastor and Producer Balance
Licensed minister produces hits. Unique role. The teacher used wait, found love. Business kept faith, grew the company.
You can too.
For Inspiration
Discover wellness tech impact in how technology affects wellness. Or family stories like Bradley Christopher Gumbel’s life.
FAQs
Who is Devon Franklin?
DeVon Franklin works as a top movie producer, a writer of best-selling books, and a preacher who mixes faith with fun stories on screen. He leads his own company, makes films that lift spirits, and speaks to crowds about living with purpose and strong beliefs. People know him for big hits and helpful words on love, work, and God.
How old is Devon Franklin?
DeVon Franklin is 47 years old right now. He came into the world on April 13, 1978, in the city of Oakland, California. This age lets him share wisdom from many years in Hollywood and church life with fans everywhere.
Who is Devon Franklin married to?
DeVon Franklin ties the knot with Maria Castillo, a fitness trainer for stars who is about 30 years old. They said “I do” on August 2, 2025, in a pretty spot called Casa Lago in Beverly Hills. The couple started dating in 2024 and kept faith rules by not living together before the big day.
Is Devon Franklin married?
Yes, DeVon Franklin stays happily married today. His current wife is Maria Castillo, and they have built a life full of prayer and shared goals. Before this, he had a past marriage, but now he focuses on this new chapter with joy and strong values.
Devon Franklin age?
DeVon Franklin age stands at 47, since his birthday falls on April 13, 1978. Growing up fast after losing his dad young, he used that time to learn, preach early, and climb high in movies. Fans search for this often to see how he achieves so much at this point in life.
Meagan Good and Devon Franklin?
Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin were husband and wife from 2012 until their divorce in 2022. They met on a movie set, wrote a book on waiting for love, and chose to split with kindness after prayer. No hard feelings remain; they grew in different ways and stay respectful ex-spouses.
Conclusion
DeVon Franklin shows faith powers success. From Oakland’s loss to Hollywood’s wins. Books guide. Devon Franklin movies uplift. Marriages teach growth. At 47, he inspires purpose, less stress, and strong love.
What DeVon Franklin lesson will you apply first?
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References
- IMDb: DeVon Franklin – Film list, credits, box office. ↩︎
- DeVon Franklin Official Site – Books, masterclass, updates for faith pros. ↩︎
- People: Marriage Exclusive – Wedding details, values. ↩︎
- Wikipedia: DeVon Franklin – Full bio, career, books, verified facts. ↩︎
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