Written by Danette Berkowitz
Modified & Updated: 22 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Woody Harrelson is a celebrated and talented actor who has made his mark in Hollywood with his memorable performances and diverse range. From his breakout role in the TV sitcom “Cheers” to his compelling performances in films like “Natural Born Killers,” “No Country for Old Men,” and “Zombieland,” Harrelson has consistently entertained audiences with his unique charm and versatility.
With a career spanning over four decades, Harrelson has received numerous accolades, including three Academy Award nominations and an Emmy Award. But there is much more to this talented actor than meets the eye. In this article, we will explore 46 fascinating facts about Woody Harrelson, shedding light on his personal life, his passions, and his lesser-known achievements.
Key Takeaways:
- Woody Harrelson, the versatile actor, is also an environmental activist, vegan, and advocate for marijuana legalization, showcasing his passion for social and environmental causes.
- From his Emmy-winning role in “Cheers” to his advocacy for hemp farming and LGBTQ+ rights, Woody Harrelson’s talent and activism make him a truly impactful figure in the entertainment industry.
Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas.
Woody Harrelson, the talented actor and activist, entered this world in the small town of Midland, Texas.
His birth name is Woodrow Tracy Harrelson.
Although better known as Woody Harrelson, his full name is Woodrow Tracy Harrelson, named after President Woodrow Wilson.
He is the son of Diane Lou (Oswald) and Charles Voyde Harrelson.
Woody’s mother was a legal secretary, and his father was a professional hitman who was convicted of assassinating a federal judge.
Harrelson grew up in Lebanon, Ohio.
After his father’s incarceration, Woody relocated to Lebanon, Ohio, where he spent most of his childhood.
He attended Hanover College in Indiana.
Woody Harrelson pursued his higher education at Hanover College, where he studied theater arts and English.
Harrelson gained worldwide fame for his role as Woody Boyd in the TV series “Cheers.”
One of Harrelson’s breakthrough roles was that of Woody Boyd, the lovable bartender, in the hit sitcom “Cheers.
He won an Emmy Award for his role in “Cheers.”
Harrelson’s exceptional portrayal of Woody Boyd earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Woody Harrelson is a committed environmental activist.
Outside of acting, Harrelson is highly passionate about environmental conservation and has been actively involved in several initiatives to protect the planet.
He is an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana.
Woody Harrelson has been a vocal supporter of the legalization of marijuana, citing its medicinal benefits and the potential economic benefits of regulation.
Harrelson is a dedicated vegan.
As part of his commitment to animal rights and the environment, Woody Harrelson follows a vegan lifestyle, avoiding the consumption of animal products.
He starred in the highly acclaimed film “Natural Born Killers” in 1994.
Natural Born Killers,” directed by Oliver Stone, showcased Harrelson’s versatility as an actor and received both critical acclaim and controversy for its graphic content.
Woody Harrelson played Haymitch Abernathy in “The Hunger Games” film series.
Harrelson portrayed the character of Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor to the lead character, Katniss Everdeen, in “The Hunger Games” film series.
He has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Woody Harrelson has received recognition for his exceptional acting skills and has earned nominations for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actor again throughout his career.
Harrelson co-starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in the critically acclaimed television series “True Detective.”
The duo’s performances in “True Detective” garnered widespread acclaim and cemented the show’s status as a must-watch crime drama.
Woody Harrelson is an avid chess player.
In his free time, Harrelson enjoys playing chess, which he finds intellectually stimulating and challenging.
He has collaborated frequently with director Wes Anderson.
Woody Harrelson’s unique blend of comedy and eccentricity has made him a favorite of director Wes Anderson, leading to collaborations on films such as “Zombieland” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Harrelson portrayed Lyndon B. Johnson in the biographical drama film “LBJ.”
His portrayal of the 36th President of the United States in “LBJ” showcased his range as an actor and earned critical acclaim.
He has a strong passion for live theater.
Alongside his film and television work, Woody Harrelson is deeply connected to the world of theater and has been involved in various stage productions.
Woody Harrelson has a twin brother named Brett.
Brett Harrelson shares a strong resemblance with his famous brother, although he has chosen a path away from the spotlight and works as a bike builder and businessman.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”
Harrelson’s portrayal of Chief Bill Willoughby in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 90th Academy Awards.
He played the character Tallahassee in the post-apocalyptic comedy film “Zombieland.”
Woody Harrelson brought the character of Tallahassee to life in the hilarious and action-packed film “Zombieland,” showcasing his comedic timing and ability to handle intense scenes.
Harrelson is a respected stage actor.
While his success in film and television is well-known, Woody Harrelson has also made a name for himself as a talented stage actor, delivering captivating performances in various theater productions.
He is an accomplished musician.
Harrelson is not only skilled in acting but also has musical talents. He can play the piano, guitar, and a variety of other instruments with great proficiency.
Woody Harrelson narrated the documentary “Ethos” in 2011.
His distinctive voice and commitment to raising awareness of social issues made him an excellent choice to narrate the documentary “Ethos,” which explores the impact of corporate interests on society.
He appeared in the “Now You See Me” film series as Merritt McKinney.
Harrelson played the role of Merritt McKinney, a talented illusionist and member of the Four Horsemen, in the thrilling “Now You See Me” film series.
He starred in the biographical drama film “The People vs. Larry Flynt.”
Harrelson’s portrayal of Larry Flynt, the controversial publisher of Hustler magazine, earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.
Woody Harrelson is a co-founder of the organic food delivery service Yoganics.
As part of his commitment to healthy living and sustainable practices, Harrelson co-founded Yoganics, a service that delivers organic produce and products to households.
He holds the record for hosting “Saturday Night Live” the most times.
With a total of five hosting appearances, Woody Harrelson is considered one of the most frequent and beloved hosts in the history of “Saturday Night Live.”
Harrelson has been an outspoken critic of the Iraq War.
Throughout his career, Woody Harrelson has been vocal in his opposition to the Iraq War and has used his platform to raise awareness about the consequences of conflict.
He appeared in Han Solo’s standalone film, “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Harrelson joined the Star Wars universe in the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” portraying the character Beckett, a mentor and partner to the young Han Solo.
Woody Harrelson is an advocate for hemp farming.
Recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of hemp, Harrelson has supported efforts to legalize and promote hemp farming as a sustainable agricultural practice.
He starred alongside Matthew McConaughey again in the crime drama film “Gold.”
Continuing their successful collaboration, Harrelson and McConaughey shared the screen in the gripping crime drama “Gold.”
Harrelson played Colonel Chester Phillips in the superhero film “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
With his natural charisma, Harrelson portrayed the character of Colonel Chester Phillips, a key figure in the origin story of Captain America.
He was named PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity in 2012.
Woody Harrelson’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle earned him recognition as PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity in 2012.
He is a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
Harrelson is known for his inclusive mindset and has been a vocal ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Woody Harrelson played Lennie Small in the Broadway revival of “Of Mice and Men.”
In 2014, Harrelson showcased his stage prowess by portraying Lennie Small in the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.
He appeared in the superhero film “Venom” as Cletus Kasady/Carnage.
Harrelson joined the Marvel Universe in the film “Venom,” where he played Cletus Kasady, a dangerous criminal who eventually becomes the supervillain Carnage.
He has practiced yoga for many years.
As part of his holistic approach to health and well-being, Woody Harrelson has been practicing yoga for several years.
He starred in the comedy-drama film “The Edge of Seventeen.”
Harrelson delivered a memorable performance as Mr. Bruner, a teacher and mentor to the main character in the coming-of-age film “The Edge of Seventeen.
Woody Harrelson is a skilled juggler.
Alongside his many talents, Harrelson has honed his juggling skills over the years and is known to showcase this talent on various occasions.
He played the role of Harlan Eldridge in the mystery film “Now You See Me 2.”
Harrelson reprised his role as Merritt McKinney and also portrayed Harlan Eldridge, his character’s twin brother, in “Now You See Me 2.
He has collaborated multiple times with director Ron Howard.
Woody Harrelson and Ron Howard have partnered on various projects, including “EdTV” and “The Hanover Square Affair” series.
Harrelson starred as President Lyndon B. Johnson in the film “Shock and Awe.”
Portraying another U.S. President, Woody Harrelson took on the role of Lyndon B. Johnson in the film “Shock and Awe,” which chronicles the events leading up to the Iraq War.
He frequently supports and participates in charity events.
Driven by his desire to make a positive impact, Harrelson actively supports various charitable causes and participates in fundraising events.
Woody Harrelson demonstrated his vocal abilities in the musical film “Seven Psychopaths.”
In “Seven Psychopaths,” Harrelson showcased his versatility by portraying a gangster with a softer side and even performed a rendition of the song “Ain’t No Grave.
He is an executive producer of the hit television series “Young Sheldon.”
Harrelson’s involvement in the creation and development of “Young Sheldon” has contributed to the show’s success and popularity among audiences.
Woody Harrelson is undeniably an incredible actor with an impressive range of performances in film, television, and theater. As an advocate for environmental and social causes, he uses his platform to promote positive change. With his unique blend of talent, compassion, and activism, Woody Harrelson continues to leave his mark on the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Woody Harrelson is truly an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning decades, he has showcased his exceptional talent and versatility in various roles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. From his breakout role as Woody Boyd in “Cheers” to his unforgettable performances in films like “Natural Born Killers” and “The Hunger Games” series, Harrelson has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with.Not only is Harrelson an accomplished actor, but he is also known for his activism and commitment to environmental causes. His passion for sustainability and the environment has led him to collaborate on various projects and raise awareness on pressing issues. Beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Harrelson has shown that he is deeply dedicated to making a positive impact.With his magnetic charisma, undeniable talent, and advocacy work, Woody Harrelson continues to captivate audiences and inspire others in the entertainment industry and beyond. There’s no doubt that this accomplished actor has left an indelible mark on the world of film and will continue to do so in the years to come.
FAQs
1. How old is Woody Harrelson?
Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, which makes him currently 59 years old.
2. What are some of Woody Harrelson’s most notable films?
Some of Woody Harrelson’s most notable films include “Natural Born Killers,” “The Hunger Games” series, “Zombieland,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” and “True Detective.
3. Has Woody Harrelson won any awards?
Yes, Woody Harrelson has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won several awards, including an Emmy Award for his role in “Cheers.”
4. Apart from acting, what other interests does Woody Harrelson have?
Aside from acting, Woody Harrelson is known for his advocacy on environmental issues. He is an avid supporter of sustainability and has collaborated on various projects to promote awareness and action.
5. Is Woody Harrelson related to actor Owen Wilson?
No, Woody Harrelson is not related to actor Owen Wilson. Although they share a similar last name and have worked together in films like “Zombieland,” they are not related.
6. Has Woody Harrelson ever hosted “Saturday Night Live”?
Yes, Woody Harrelson has hosted “Saturday Night Live” multiple times. He has proven to be a versatile host, delivering memorable sketches and comedic performances.
Woody Harrelson's captivating career spans decades, featuring unforgettable roles in critically acclaimed films. His performances in thought-provoking dramas like "North Country," where he tackles important social issues, showcase his versatility as an actor. Harrelson's ability to portray complex characters shines through in gritty films such as "Out of the Furnace," keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. His powerful performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" demonstrates his knack for bringing depth and emotion to challenging roles, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
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