50 Facts About Evan Rachel Wood

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

9. Her first acting role was in Sondra Locke's Death in Small Doses in 1993.
10. She had recurring roles in the television series American Gothic (1995–1996) and Profiler (1998–1999).
11. Wood received a nomination for Best Supporting Young Actress in a TV Drama Series at the 21st Young Artist Awards for her role in Profiler.
12. In 1997, after her parents' separation and divorce, Wood moved with her mother to Los Angeles to further her acting career.
13. She attended public school in California before leaving at age 12 for homeschooling.
14. Wood received her high school diploma at 15.
15. During 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.

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

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

28. One of her most notable television roles was as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series Westworld (2016–2022).
29. Her performance in Westworld earned her a Critics' Choice Award and nominations for Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
30. Wood 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.

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

39. Wood has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards: one for her role in Thirteen and two for her performances in Mildred Pierce and Westworld.
40. She has received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work in Mildred Pierce and Westworld.
41. Wood 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.

42. In 2024, Wood began starring as Audrey in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
43. She 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.

44. At the age of five, Wood screen-tested against Kirsten Dunst for the lead role in Interview with the Vampire (1994).
45. One of her early film roles was in Practical Magic (1998), a fantasy drama film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
46. Wood 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.

47. Wood's performance in Thirteen earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture: Drama.
48. For her role in Thirteen, Wood also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
49. Wood'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.
50. Her 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.