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The Glitter And Greed: 7 Shocking Revelations About Lisa Frank's Ex-Husband, James Green, And Their Technicolor Divorce

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For millions of 80s and 90s kids, the name Lisa Frank conjures a world of vibrant, neon-drenched fantasy: dancing dolphins, rainbow-colored unicorns, and cheerful, airbrushed puppies. Yet, beneath the cheerful, technicolor veneer of Lisa Frank Incorporated (LFI) lay a very different reality, one defined by corporate power struggles, a bitter divorce, and a family fractured by litigation. The central figure in this dramatic, real-life story is her former husband, James Green, whose role as both creative collaborator and corporate adversary has only recently been fully exposed in the 2024 documentary *Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story*. As of December 2025, the narrative surrounding the iconic artist continues to be dominated by the fallout from her acrimonious split from James Green, a man who was once her first full-time artist and later the President and CEO of her company. Their relationship was the engine driving the brand's meteoric rise, but its ultimate collapse led to a protracted legal battle that fundamentally reshaped the company and the Frank-Green family dynamics. Understanding the story of Lisa Frank's husband is impossible without diving into the details of the 'Rainbow Gulag'—the nickname given to the LFI headquarters in Tucson, Arizona.

Lisa Frank: A Quick Biography and Family Profile

Lisa Frank (born April 21, 1955) is an American artist and businesswoman, best known as the founder of Lisa Frank Incorporated (LFI). She launched her namesake company in 1979 in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 24.
  • Full Name: Lisa Frank
  • Born: April 21, 1955 (Age 70 as of December 2025)
  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan (Grew up)
  • Company: Lisa Frank Incorporated (LFI)
  • Ex-Husband: James Arthur Green
  • Marriage Date: 1994
  • Divorce Date: 2005 (Finalized after protracted litigation)
  • Children: Two sons, Hunter Green and Forrest Green.
  • Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million (as of 2024)
Frank's father was an executive in the automotive industry, running Detroit Aluminum & Brass, a company founded by her grandfather. She began her career designing jewelry before transitioning to the colorful school supplies, stickers, and stationery that would define her brand. The company’s success was astronomical throughout the 1980s and 1990s, making LFI a global pop culture phenomenon.

The Rise and Fall of the Lisa Frank-James Green Power Couple

The relationship between Lisa Frank and James Green began in a professional capacity. Green was hired by Lisa Frank Incorporated in 1982, just three years after the company's founding, becoming her first full-time artist. His creative input was instrumental in developing the distinctive, airbrushed, and hyper-colorful aesthetic that became synonymous with the Lisa Frank brand. Their professional collaboration deepened into a personal one, and the couple eventually married in 1994. During their marriage, Green ascended the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the President and CEO of LFI. They had two sons together, Hunter Green and Forrest Green. The names of their children, Hunter and Forrest, were reportedly named after characters Lisa Frank had created, which coincidentally echoed the color 'Green'—their surname. The marriage and business partnership, however, began to unravel in the early 2000s. The end of their relationship was described as "far messier than either could have expected," leading to an extremely acrimonious divorce in 2005. The legal separation was not just a personal matter; it was a corporate battle for control of the multi-million dollar company, with details of their marital and business disputes spilling into the public domain. The divorce proceedings were protracted and litigious, centering on a power struggle for control over Lisa Frank Incorporated. Lisa Frank eventually won control, and James Green was ousted as CEO and President. The fallout from Green's departure and the subsequent legal entanglements severely impacted the company's operations and its public image, contributing to the brand's decline in the mid-2000s.

James Green: 7 Shocking Revelations from the Divorce and Beyond

The 2024 documentary *Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story* brought James Green's side of the story to the forefront, revealing a tumultuous relationship and a life-altering corporate split. The following revelations provide a deeper look at the man who was once Lisa Frank's husband and business partner.

1. The Acrimonious Divorce Involved a $16.7 Million Lawsuit

The split between Frank and Green was not amicable. The legal battle extended beyond marital assets and involved a significant corporate lawsuit. Green sued Lisa Frank and LFI, seeking $16.7 million to repay a loan he had taken out for a private jet. The litigation was complex and dragged on for years, with court records highlighting the extent of the corporate and personal conflict.

2. Allegations of Infidelity Triggered the Final Split

According to James Green, the marriage ended after Lisa Frank became convinced he was unfaithful. Green recounts that threats of divorce had been exchanged before the final call that signaled the "beginning of the end." The intense personal breakdown was inextricably linked to the corporate battle for the CEO position.

3. He Claims to Be the True Artist Behind the Iconic Style

A major point of contention and a key revelation from the documentary is James Green's claim that he was the real creative force behind the signature Lisa Frank art style. While Lisa Frank founded the company and provided the vision, Green, as her first full-time artist and later the head of the creative team, asserts that his artistic direction and execution were the foundation of the iconic look.

4. The Corporate Culture Under His Leadership Was Highly Criticized

During the corporate battle, reports emerged describing a difficult and intense work environment at the LFI headquarters. Green, as CEO, was often at the center of these criticisms, with former employees describing him as a challenging leader who "really treated everyone like crap." This dark side contrasted sharply with the cheerful, whimsical nature of the products LFI created.

5. His Eldest Son Has No Relationship With Lisa Frank

The emotional toll of the divorce and corporate struggle on the family was substantial. James and Lisa Frank's older son, Hunter Green, participated in the documentary and shared that his childhood was not the "colorful, magical time" the brand suggested. Hunter Green revealed that he has no relationship with his mother today, offering a heartbreaking perspective on the family’s private life.

6. James Green Now Lives in Mexico and Owns a Coffee Shop

Following his dramatic exit from LFI, James Green has completely reinvented his life. He currently lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he leads a more balanced life. He is the owner of both a coffee shop and a bar, focusing on his growing business ventures.

7. He Has Returned to His Roots as an Artist

In addition to his hospitality businesses in Mexico, Green has returned to his original passion: art. He maintains an art studio in Puerto Vallarta, where he continues to create and sell his own work, including T-shirts. This re-focus on his personal artistic expression marks a significant pivot from his years as a powerful corporate executive in Tucson. The story of Lisa Frank and her ex-husband James Green is a compelling case study of how a creative partnership can implode under the pressure of marriage and business. While the Lisa Frank brand continues to experience waves of nostalgic resurgence, the revelations about the 'Glitter and Greed' behind the scenes have permanently altered the public perception of the woman behind the rainbow.
lisa frank husband
lisa frank husband

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