JULIE FRANKE

Julie Franke is a 16-year-old American YouTube personality best known for her appearances on the family vlog channel 8 Passengers. Born on January 11, 2009, in Utah, she is the fourth of six children in the Franke family. Julie was introduced to viewers in the second video on the channel, titled "Meet the Passengers! – Julie," which showcased her from toddlerhood to her first day of school. This video, uploaded in January 2015, marked the beginning of her journey in the public eye.

🎬 Rise to Fame on 8 Passengers

The 8 Passengers channel was created by Julie's parents, Kevin and Ruby Franke, in January 2015. The channel gained popularity by documenting the daily lives and experiences of the Franke family. Julie, along with her siblings Shari, Chad, Abby, Russell, and Eve, became central figures in the channel's content. Julie was featured in various videos, including family outings, school events, and holiday celebrations, endearing herself to audiences with her cheerful personality and relatable experiences.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Life and Personal Background

Julie is the daughter of Kevin Franke, an assistant professor of civil engineering at Brigham Young University, and Ruby Franke, a former family vlogger . She has three older siblings—Shari, Chad, and Abby—and two younger siblings—Russell and Eve. The Franke family is known for their strong ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for their active participation in community and church activities.

⚠️ The Channel's Controversy and Aftermath

In August 2023, the 8 Passengers channel was embroiled in controversy when Julie's mother, Ruby Franke, and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. The charges stemmed from allegations of mistreatment of two of the Franke children, including Julie's younger brother, who was found in a malnourished state seeking help from a neighbor. The incident led to widespread media attention and the eventual dissolution of the 8 Passengers channel .

🌟 Life After the Spotlight

Following the closure of the 8 Passengers channel, Julie has maintained a relatively low profile. She continues to reside in Utah with her father, Kevin Franke, who has become an advocate for child welfare and online safety. Kevin has publicly expressed regret over the family's involvement in vlogging and has supported legislative efforts to protect children from exploitation in digital media .

📚 Looking Ahead

As of now, Julie is focusing on her education and personal growth away from the public eye. While she has not pursued a career in social media or entertainment, her early experiences have sparked discussions about the ethics of family vlogging and the impact of online exposure on children. Julie Franke's story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and responsibilities associated with sharing family life in the digital age.