Bibbye Birch

Written by Bibbye Birch

Published: 19 Dec 2024

50-facts-about-evan-rachel-wood
Source: Variety.com

Evan Rachel Wood is a name that resonates with versatility and talent in Hollywood. Born on September 7, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina, she has been in the spotlight since childhood. Her early roles in TV series like American Gothic and Profiler set the stage for a career filled with diverse and challenging characters. From her breakout performance in Thirteen to her critically acclaimed role in HBO's Westworld, Wood has consistently proven her acting prowess. Beyond the screen, she is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault and mental health awareness. Curious about her journey? Let's dive into 50 fascinating facts about Evan Rachel Wood.

Key Takeaways:

  • Evan Rachel Wood comes from a family deeply involved in the arts, and her early acting experiences set the stage for her successful career in television, film, and theatre.
  • Wood's versatility as an actress is evident in her transition from independent films to mainstream success, her acclaimed role in "Westworld," and her advocacy for survivors and mental health awareness.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

Evan Rachel Wood's journey into acting began early, influenced by her artistic family and early exposure to theatre.

  1. 01Born on September 7, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Evan Rachel Wood grew up in a family deeply rooted in the arts.
  2. 02Her father, Ira David Wood III, is an award-winning actor, singer, theatre director, and playwright.
  3. 03Her mother, Sara Lynn Moore, is an actress and acting coach.
  4. 04Wood's brother, Ira David Wood IV, is also an actor.
  5. 05Her aunt, Carol Winstead Wood, is a Hollywood production designer.
  6. 06Wood's early acting experiences included performing in her father's theatre, Theatre In The Park.
  7. 07She appeared in A Christmas Carol at Theatre In The Park when she was just a few months old.
  8. 08At a young age, she starred as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker, directed by her father.

Early Career and Move to Los Angeles

Wood's early career saw her taking on various roles in television and film, leading to a significant move to Los Angeles.

  1. 09Her first acting role was in Sondra Locke's Death in Small Doses in 1993.
  2. 10She had recurring roles in the television series American Gothic (1995–1996) and Profiler (1998–1999).
  3. 11Wood received a nomination for Best Supporting Young Actress in a TV Drama Series at the 21st Young Artist Awards for her role in Profiler.
  4. 12In 1997, after her parents' separation and divorce, Wood moved with her mother to Los Angeles to further her acting career.
  5. 13She attended public school in California before leaving at age 12 for homeschooling.
  6. 14Wood received her high school diploma at 15.
  7. 15During this time, she earned a black belt in taekwondo and participated in the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

Breakthrough Roles and Independent Films

Wood's breakthrough role in Thirteen catapulted her to fame, leading to a series of notable performances in independent films.

  1. 16Wood made her debut as a leading film actress at the age of nine in Digging to China (1997).
  2. 17Her breakthrough role came with Thirteen (2003), where she played the troubled teenager Tracy Freeland.
  3. 18This role earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture: Drama.
  4. 19After Thirteen, Wood continued acting mostly in independent films.
  5. 20Notable roles include Pretty Persuasion (2005), Down in the Valley (2005), and Running with Scissors (2006).
  6. 21Her performance in Running with Scissors was particularly praised, showcasing her versatility in playing complex characters.

Mainstream Success and Television Roles

Wood transitioned to more mainstream films and returned to television with significant roles that earned her critical acclaim.

  1. 22In 2007, Wood appeared in the big studio production Across the Universe, a musical film set to the music of The Beatles.
  2. 23She appeared in The Wrestler (2008) and Whatever Works (2009).
  3. 24Her role as Stephanie in The Wrestler earned her critical acclaim.
  4. 25Wood returned to television in 2009 with a recurring role as Sophie-Anne Leclerq, the vampire Queen of Louisiana, on True Blood.
  5. 26She portrayed the title character's malicious daughter in the HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce (2011).
  6. 27This role earned her nominations for the Golden Globe and Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Westworld and Voice Acting

Wood's role in Westworld and her venture into voice acting further demonstrated her versatility and talent.

  1. 28One of her most notable television roles was as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series Westworld (2016–2022).
  2. 29Her performance in Westworld earned her a Critics' Choice Award and nominations for Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
  3. 30Wood ventured into voice acting, voicing Queen Iduna in the Disney animated fantasy film Frozen II (2019).

Personal Life and Advocacy

Wood's personal life and advocacy work have been significant, highlighting her commitment to supporting survivors and mental health awareness.

  1. 31Wood was engaged to singer Marilyn Manson from 2010 to 2010 but separated after eight months.
  2. 32She later married actor Jamie Bell in 2012, with whom she has a son, Jack Matfin Bell.
  3. 33The couple divorced in 2014.
  4. 34Wood has been open about her struggles with PTSD and severe physical abuse.
  5. 35In 2018, Wood testified before the U.S. Congress in support of the "Sexual Assault Survivor's Bill of Rights Act."
  6. 36She shared her experiences as a survivor of multiple rapes and severe physical abuse.
  7. 37Wood has been open about her struggles with mental health, including attempting suicide at the age of 22 due to PTSD.
  8. 38She has checked herself into psychiatric hospitals and continues to advocate for mental health awareness.

Awards and Nominations

Wood's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.

  1. 39Wood has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards: one for her role in Thirteen and two for her performances in Mildred Pierce and Westworld.
  2. 40She has received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work in Mildred Pierce and Westworld.
  3. 41Wood has won a Critics' Choice Award for her role as Dolores Abernathy in Westworld.

Theatre Work and Recent Projects

Wood's return to theatre and recent projects demonstrate her continued commitment to the performing arts.

  1. 42In 2024, Wood began starring as Audrey in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
  2. 43She portrayed Madonna in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022), a biographical comedy film about the life of "Weird Al" Yankovic.

Early Performances and Auditions

Wood's early performances and auditions set the stage for her successful career in acting.

  1. 44At the age of five, Wood screen-tested against Kirsten Dunst for the lead role in Interview with the Vampire (1994).
  2. 45One of her early film roles was in Practical Magic (1998), a fantasy drama film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
  3. 46Wood starred in the comedy S1m0ne (2002) as Al Pacino's daughter.

Notable Roles and Performances

Wood's notable roles and performances have showcased her ability to play complex, multifaceted characters.

  1. 47Wood's performance in Thirteen earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture: Drama.
  2. 48For her role in Thirteen, Wood also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
  3. 49Wood's portrayal of Veda Pierce in the HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce earned her a Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.
  4. 50Her performance as Stephanie in The Wrestler was highly acclaimed, demonstrating her ability to play emotionally charged characters.

Evan Rachel Wood: A Multifaceted Talent

Evan Rachel Wood's journey in the entertainment world is nothing short of impressive. From her early days in her father's theater to her breakout role in Thirteen, she's shown incredible range and depth. Her performances in Westworld, The Wrestler, and Mildred Pierce highlight her ability to tackle complex characters. Beyond acting, she's a passionate advocate for survivors of abuse, using her platform to push for meaningful change. Her voice acting in Frozen II and return to theater with Little Shop of Horrors show her versatility. Wood's personal struggles and triumphs add layers to her public persona, making her not just a talented actress but a resilient and inspiring individual. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and advocacy. Evan Rachel Wood continues to captivate audiences and make a difference in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Evan Rachel Wood?
Evan Rachel Wood is a talented actress and musician known for her versatility and depth in roles. From her breakout in "Thirteen" to her complex character in "Westworld," she's captivated audiences with her performances.
How did Evan Rachel Wood start her career?
Her career kicked off in the late 1990s, appearing in TV shows and movies as a child actress. Her role in "Thirteen" was a turning point, earning her critical acclaim and recognition.
What are some notable roles played by Evan Rachel Wood?
Besides her role in "Thirteen," Wood is famous for playing Dolores Abernathy in "Westworld." Other notable roles include "Across the Universe" and "The Wrestler."
Has Evan Rachel Wood won any awards for her acting?
Yes, she's received several nominations and awards throughout her career. This includes a Golden Globe nomination for her role in "Thirteen" and Critics' Choice Television Award for "Westworld."
Does Evan Rachel Wood have any musical projects?
Indeed, she does. Wood has showcased her singing talents in "Across the Universe" and has been part of a musical duo called Rebel and a Basketcase.
What's something unique about Evan Rachel Wood's personal life?
Wood has been open about her bisexuality and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She's also spoken out about her experiences with domestic violence, aiming to raise awareness and support survivors.
How can I stay updated on Evan Rachel Wood's work and projects?
Following her on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter is a great way to stay in the loop. Also, keeping an eye on entertainment news sites will ensure you don't miss out on her latest projects.

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