James Franco's Father Passes Away Suddenly

James Franco's father Doug Franco died suddenly last week at age 63.

Franco's mother, Betsy -- a writer and actress -- confirmed on Twitter:

"It is true that my sweet, generous husband passed away. He gave so much to his three sons and me, and to many other people, too."

A cause of death is not yet known.

Doug, a businessman, attended the Oscars this year to watch James' hosting gig.

He is also survived by James' brothers, Dave, an actor, and Tom, an artist.