Terry Gross

James Franco doesn't just spend his time acting in the movies. The star of Milk, Howl and the forthcoming 127 Hours is also an accomplished writer and graduate student. He explains how he juggles his many roles — and why he continues to take on new challenges.

In an interview with Terry Gross, taped in front of a live audience in New York City, the Daily Show host deconstructs his upcoming "Rally to Restore Sanity" on the National Mall and explains how The Daily Show comes up with material.

The legendary filmmaker who directed Alice's Restaurant and Bonnie and Clyde died on Tuesday. He was 88. Fresh Air remembers Penn with highlights from a 1989 interview.

This interview was originally broadcast on September 29, 1989.