Woody Harrelson
Biography of Woody Harrelson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Woodrow Tracy Harrelson
Common Aliases: Woody Harrelson
Birth and Death Dates
Date of Birth: July 23, 1961
Date of Death: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Actor, Playwright, Activist
Early Life and Background
Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, to Diane Lou and Charles Voyde Harrelson. His father was a convicted hitman, which cast a shadow over his early years, while his mother worked as a legal secretary. Harrelson grew up in a household that faced financial and emotional challenges, especially after his father was imprisoned. Despite these difficulties, Harrelson's mother instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and determination.
Harrelson attended Lebanon High School in Ohio, where he discovered his passion for acting. He later pursued this interest at Hanover College in Indiana, earning a degree in theater and English in 1983. During his college years, Harrelson was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, which helped him develop his social and leadership skills. His early life experiences, combined with his education, laid the foundation for his future career in the entertainment industry.
Major Accomplishments
Woody Harrelson's career took off when he was cast as the lovable bartender Woody Boyd on the hit television series "Cheers" in 1985. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989. This role not only established him as a talented actor but also opened doors to numerous opportunities in film and television.
Harrelson's transition to the big screen was marked by a series of successful films, including "White Men Can't Jump" (1992), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), and "The People vs. Larry Flynt" (1996), the latter of which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His versatility as an actor was further demonstrated in films like "The Thin Red Line" (1998), "No Country for Old Men" (2007), and "Zombieland" (2009).
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his acting career, Harrelson is known for his activism and advocacy for environmental and social causes. He has been a vocal supporter of the legalization of marijuana and hemp, and he has actively campaigned for environmental sustainability. Harrelson's commitment to these causes is evident in his personal lifestyle choices, such as living in a sustainable community in Hawaii and adopting a vegan diet.
Harrelson's notable works extend beyond acting and activism. He co-wrote and starred in the play "Furthest from the Sun" and directed the play "Bullet for Adolf." His ability to engage audiences through various mediums highlights his multifaceted talent and dedication to his craft.
Impact and Legacy
Woody Harrelson's impact on the entertainment industry is significant, as he has consistently delivered memorable performances across a wide range of genres. His ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Harrelson's work has not only entertained audiences but also sparked conversations about important social and environmental issues.
His legacy is further cemented by his contributions to the arts and his commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Harrelson's influence extends beyond his filmography, as he continues to inspire others through his activism and advocacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Woody Harrelson is widely quoted and remembered for his unique blend of humor, charisma, and sincerity. His quotes often reflect his candid and thoughtful perspective on life, acting, and the world around him. Harrelson's ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner resonates with audiences, making his words memorable and impactful.
Moreover, Harrelson's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to social and environmental causes have made him a respected figure both within and outside the entertainment industry. His quotes often capture the essence of his beliefs and values, offering insight into the mind of a man who is not only a talented actor but also a passionate advocate for change.
Quotes by Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson's insights on:
I remember my daughter Deni coming along, and she was so pure and caring of everybody and everything. And somehow, this little being managed to get around all the obstacles - the gun turrets, the walls, the moats, the sentries - that were wrapped around my heart. My heart at that time needed her.
I remember my first run-in with cops. It took me really getting to hang, well after that, with cops who were cool, and realizing, ‘Okay, there are some bad ones.’ I ran into some bad ones in Columbus, Ohio, but they’re not all bad.
The government may change faces from time to time, but it’s not like we fight wars for democracy – we fight wars for capitalism and for oil.
Sometimes I feel people think I live on a commune but I don’t. We are all solar, though. There are no power lines. It’s mostly farmers, so everyone who has tractors uses bio-diesel.
Everything I do, I try to think, ‘Okay, what are the ramifications?’ Like, with the clothes I wear, I prefer if it’s grown organically, because cotton – which is what’s used in most clothing – takes up 50 percent of all pesticide use.
I think, on a personal level, everybody, when you go through the checkout line after you get your groceries and they say, ‘Paper or plastic?’ We should be saying, ‘Neither one.’ We should have our own cloth bags.
I wrapped a movie called ‘Zombieland,’ in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character. With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo, who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie.
In the courtroom, it’s where a lawyer really becomes an actor. There’s a very fine line between delivering a monologue in a play and delivering a monologue to a jury. I’ve always felt that way – I’ve been in a lot of courtrooms. The best lawyers are really theatrical.