Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson is a renowned American actor and playwright, known for his versatility in a wide range of film and television roles, including Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and True Detective. Born in Midland, Texas, Harrelson grew up in a family of Methodists and was raised by his mother, Diane Lou Oswald, after his parents' divorce. He developed an interest in acting at a young age, inspired by actors like Marlon Brando and Daniel Day-Lewis. Harrelson's early life was marked by frequent moves, living in cities like Lebanon, Ohio, and London, England, where he attended Lebanon High School.

● Early Life

Woody Harrelson was born to Charles Harrelson, a convicted felon, and Diane Lou Oswald, a Presbyterian minister. His father was a Hitman and was convicted of assassinating Federal Judge John H. Wood Jr. in San Antonio, Texas. Harrelson's family moved frequently during his childhood, living in cities like Lebanon, Ohio, and London, England, where he attended Lebanon High School. He later attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, where he studied Theatre and English Literature, graduating in 1983. During his time at Hanover College, Harrelson was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and developed close friendships with fellow actors like Nancy Cartwright and Mike Judge.

● Career

Harrelson's acting career began in the late 1980s, with guest appearances on television shows like Cheers, The Golden Girls, and L.A. Law. His breakthrough role came in 1985 when he was cast as Woody Boyd on the popular NBC sitcom Cheers, alongside actors like Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Rhea Perlman. Harrelson's performance earned him multiple Emmy Award nominations and a win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989. He went on to appear in films like Casualties of War, Doc Hollywood, and White Men Can't Jump, working with directors like Brian De Palma and Ron Shelton. Harrelson's collaborations with actors like Wesley Snipes, Tommy Lee Jones, and Robert Downey Jr. have resulted in some of his most notable performances.

● Filmography

Some of Harrelson's notable film roles include Natural Born Killers (1994), The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), Wag the Dog (1997), and Zombieland (2009). He has worked with acclaimed directors like Oliver Stone, Milos Forman, and Quentin Tarantino, and has appeared in films like No Country for Old Men (2007), The Messenger (2009), and The Hunger Games (2012). Harrelson's performances have been recognized with numerous award nominations, including Academy Award nominations for his roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt and The Messenger. He has also appeared in television shows like True Detective (2014), Saturday Night Live (2014), and Live with Kelly and Ryan (2017), working with actors like Matthew McConaughey, Kate McKinnon, and Ryan Seacrest.

● Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, Harrelson has received numerous award nominations for his performances, including Emmy Award nominations for his work on Cheers and True Detective. He has been recognized with Golden Globe Award nominations for his roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt and The Messenger, and has won awards like the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Messenger. Harrelson has also been nominated for Screen Actors Guild Awards and Independent Spirit Awards, and has won awards like the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

● Personal Life

Harrelson is married to Laura Louie, a former assistant to Alanis Morissette, and has three daughters, Deni Montana Harrelson, Zoe Giordano Harrelson, and Makani Ravello Harrelson. He is a longtime friend of actors like Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, and has been involved in various charity work, including supporting organizations like the American Red Cross and the Environmental Defense Fund. Harrelson is also a co-owner of the Oasis Nightclub in London, England, and has been involved in various business ventures, including a cannabis company called West Coast Cannabis.

● Activism

Harrelson is a vocal advocate for environmentalism and social justice, and has been involved in various activist movements throughout his career. He has supported organizations like Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network, and has been arrested multiple times for his involvement in protests against logging and nuclear power. Harrelson has also been a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, and has campaigned for politicians like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. He has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.