James Woods

James Woods is an American actor known for his intense performances across film and television. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he began his career on stage before achieving prominence in the 1970s. He has received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Early life and education

He was born in Vernal, Utah, and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island, the son of a homemaker and an United States Army intelligence officer who died during his youth. Demonstrating high intelligence, he was accepted into the United States Air Force's Project 100,000 but ultimately pursued higher education. Woods attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, majoring in political science and acting in campus productions with fellow student Danny DeVito. He left MIT just before graduation to pursue acting professionally, moving to New York City to study at the Herbert Berghof Studio.

Acting career

Woods began his professional career on the Broadway stage, appearing in productions like *Borstal Boy*. His early film work included roles in *The Way We Were* and an acclaimed performance in *The Onion Field*. He gained wider recognition for portraying investigative journalist Seymour Hersh in the television film *The Trial of the Chicago 7* and won his first Primetime Emmy Award for the miniseries *Holocaust*. His career breakthrough came with a starring role in *Once Upon a Time in America* and a celebrated, Academy Award-nominated performance as a driven journalist in *Salvador*.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he delivered memorable performances in films such as *Casino*, *Nixon*, and *Ghosts of Mississippi*, while also excelling in voice work for animated features like *Hercules*. On television, he won a second Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the series *My Name Is Earl* and received critical praise for his work in *Shark*. His later career includes notable roles in *White House Down* and the television series *Ray Donovan*.

Political views and activism

He is known for his outspoken conservative and Republican political views, frequently engaging in debates on social media platforms like Twitter. A vocal supporter of Israel, he has been involved with organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has criticized the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. He publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 United States presidential election and has been a frequent commentator on Fox News programs. His activism also includes support for law enforcement agencies and advocacy related to free speech issues online.

Personal life

Woods has been married twice, first to costume designer Kathryn Morrison and later to Miss USA winner Megan Brown; both marriages ended in divorce. He has no children. In 2018, he filed a defamation lawsuit against an anonymous Twitter user, which was later dismissed. He is an avid chess player and has competed in several American Chess Congress tournaments. Woods resides primarily in Los Angeles, California.

Filmography and awards

His extensive filmography spans over five decades, with key films including *The Hard Way*, *The Specialist*, *Contact*, and *John Q*. For his role in *Salvador*, he received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor and a Golden Globe Award. His television work has earned him three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, resulting in two wins. Other honors include a Saturn Award for his performance in *Videodrome* and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Category:American film actors Category:American television actors Category:Actors from Utah