Celebrity
Woody Harrelson Net Worth: Career Highlights, Personal Life, and Major Contributions
Woody Harrelson Net Worth
$70 Million
Woody Harrelson, the American actor, playwright, and activist, has a net worth of approximately $70 million. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Woody Boyd in the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, a role that earned him an Emmy Award. Over the course of 196 episodes, Harrelson became a beloved character on the show. Beyond television, Woody Harrelson’s film career has been highly successful, with notable roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, all of which garnered Academy Award nominations. In addition to his acting, Harrelson showcased his talents in the critically acclaimed 8-episode HBO series True Detective, where he not only starred but also served as an executive producer.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
| Real Name | Woodrow Tracy Harrelson |
| Popular Name | Woody Harrelson |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | July 23, 1961 |
| Age | 63 years |
| Parents | Charles Harrelson, Diane Lou Oswald |
| Siblings | Brett Harrelson, Jordan Harrelson |
| Birthplace | Midland, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Hanover College |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Laura Louie (2008), Nancy Simon (1985-1986) |
| Children | Zoe Giordano Harrelson, Makani Ravello Harrelson, Deni Montana Harrelson |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $70 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, investments, endorsements |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.77m) |
Early Life
Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, as Woodrow Tracy Harrelson. His mother, Diane, worked as a secretary, while his father, Charles, was a hitman. The couple separated in 1964, and after serving five years in prison for killing a grain dealer, Charles was later convicted of assassinating federal judge John H. Wood Jr. in 1979. He received two life sentences and passed away in prison from a heart attack in 2007.
Woody grew up with his two brothers, Jordan and Brett. Although the family faced financial struggles, they always managed to have food on the table. The family relocated to Diane’s hometown of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1973, where Woody graduated from Lebanon High School in 1979. After high school, he spent a summer working at Kings Island amusement park before heading to Hanover, Indiana, to study at Hanover College, a Presbyterian institution at the time. Woody joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater and English in 1983.
Television Career
Woody Harrelson’s television career began when he joined Cheers during its fourth season in 1985. Portraying the character Woody Boyd, he appeared in 196 episodes until 1993, earning five Primetime Emmy nominations and winning one in 1989. Woody’s role also made appearances in The Simpsons in 1994 and Frasier in 1999.
Beyond Cheers, Woody featured in 7 episodes of Will & Grace in 2001 and starred in HBO’s True Detective in 2014, where he also served as an executive producer alongside his co-star Matthew McConaughey. Woody appeared in Dear John and Spin City, and portrayed political strategist Steve Schmidt in the 2012 HBO film Game Change. He also hosted Saturday Night Live multiple times, making appearances in 1989, 1992, 2014, and 2019, where he famously portrayed Joe Biden.
Movie Career
Harrelson made his film debut in 1986’s Wildcats and continued to build his career with roles in Doc Hollywood (1991), White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Indecent Proposal (1993), and Natural Born Killers (1994). His breakthrough came with an Academy Award-nominated performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), where he played the controversial adult magazine publisher.
Over the years, Woody has appeared in over 70 films, with some standout performances including Roy Munson in Kingpin (1996), Tallahassee in Zombieland (2009), and Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games series. His roles in No Country for Old Men (2007) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018) earned critical praise, with both films receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.
Theater Career
Woody Harrelson’s stage career began in the mid-1980s, where he worked as an understudy in Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues from 1985 to 1986. He also starred in The Boys Next Door from 1987 to 1988 at Lamb’s Theatre. Woody continued to pursue theater, playing Bill Starbuck in The Rainmaker (1999–2000) and Shannon in Night of the Iguana (2005–2006). He also wrote and directed the play Furthest from the Sun in 1999 at the Theatre de la Jeune Lune in Minneapolis. Woody’s directorial debut continued with Bullet for Adolf, which he staged at Toronto’s Hart House Theatre in 2011 and later at New World Stages in New York in 2012.
Woody Harrelson’s Major Sources Of Income
Film and Television Roles
A significant portion of Woody Harrelson’s wealth comes from his extensive career in movies and television. His acclaimed roles in blockbuster franchises such as The Hunger Games, Zombieland, and Natural Born Killers have cemented his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor. Known for his engaging performances, Harrelson commands impressive salaries for his appearances, making his acting career a major source of his income.
Playwriting and Theater Contributions
In addition to acting, Woody has also found success as a playwright. One of his early projects was the play Furthest from the Sun, which he both wrote and starred in, performed at the Theatre de la Jeune Lune in Minneapolis in 1985. His involvement in stage productions highlights his artistic abilities beyond the screen and contributes to his financial success.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Beyond his work in entertainment, Harrelson has also accumulated wealth through various endorsement deals and investments. Though the specifics of his partnerships remain private, his positive public persona, especially since his advocacy for social causes and support for political figures like Joe Biden, has made him a desirable figure for brands. Additionally, Harrelson is passionate about environmentalism and veganism, and his investments often align with these values, such as backing eco-friendly and plant-based businesses.
Real Estate Assets
Woody has built a notable real estate portfolio, with one of his most significant properties being a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills, California. Purchased for $3.8 million in 2014, the 4,000-square-foot home features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, serving as a testament to his financial success and a comfortable living space for his family.
A Look At Woody Harrelson’s Career Milestones
Early Breakthrough: Cheers and Television Success
Woody Harrelson’s career took off in the 1980s with his portrayal of Woody Boyd in the sitcom Cheers. This iconic role not only garnered him fame but also earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989. His role as the lovable bartender made him a household name and set the stage for his transition into film.
Film Career: Iconic Roles and Critical Acclaim
Following Cheers, Harrelson transitioned seamlessly into movies, showcasing his range with roles in Indecent Proposal alongside Robert Redford and Demi Moore, and Natural Born Killers, where he portrayed a notorious serial killer. His intense portrayal in this controversial film garnered widespread critical praise, marking him as an actor capable of tackling complex and challenging roles.
The 2000s: Expanding Horizons
In the 2000s, Woody’s career continued to soar with roles in high-profile films. His portrayal of a principled sheriff in No Country for Old Men, directed by the Coen brothers, further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. He also delivered a memorable performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, earning nominations for both a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, showcasing his range and depth in dramatic roles.
The Hunger Games and Peak Popularity
The 2010s marked a major turning point in Woody’s career with his iconic role as Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games series. His portrayal of the grizzled mentor to the series’ protagonist resonated with audiences and helped solidify his place in Hollywood’s A-list. Additionally, his role in the critically acclaimed HBO series True Detective opposite Matthew McConaughey in 2014 earned him further recognition and another Golden Globe nomination, reinforcing his reputation as one of the industry’s most respected actors.
Personal Life
Woody Harrelson’s personal life has been marked by interesting relationships and deep personal values. In 1985, he married Nancy Simon, the daughter of renowned playwright Neil Simon, in a spontaneous ceremony while visiting Tijuana. Initially planning to annul the marriage the following day, their plans were thwarted when the marriage/divorce parlor was closed, resulting in a 10-month marriage before they parted ways.
Harrelson later married Laura Louie, his long-time partner, in 2008 in a private ceremony at their Maui home. The couple has three daughters: Deni (born in February 1993), Zoe (born in September 1996), and Makani (born in June 2006). Their relationship began when Laura worked as Woody’s personal assistant on the set of Cheers in 1987. In 2001, they co-founded Voice Yourself, a website dedicated to promoting environmental activism, specifically focusing on combating pollution.
A committed vegan, Harrelson was named PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian in 2012. He also advocates for the legalization of marijuana and is deeply involved in various environmental causes. An avid chess enthusiast, Harrelson made the ceremonial first move at the World Chess Championship in both 2016 and 2018, showcasing his passion for the game.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Woody Harrelson has had several encounters with the law. In 1982, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. In 1996, he was detained for planting hemp seeds in an act of civil disobedience, which was misinterpreted as marijuana cultivation. Another notable incident occurred in 2002 when Harrelson damaged a taxi and fled the scene, but he did not serve jail time for any of these arrests. In 2008, a photographer filed a lawsuit accusing Harrelson of assaulting him and breaking his camera. The case was settled in 2010 with no further legal consequences for the actor.
Awards and Recognition
Woody Harrelson’s acting career has been recognized with numerous accolades. His work as Woody Boyd on Cheers earned him the 1987 American Comedy Award for Funniest Newcomer and the 1989 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 1993, he won an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss with co-star Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal. In 2009, Harrelson’s role in The Messenger garnered him four prestigious awards, including an Independent Spirit Award and a Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award. That same year, he also received a San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Body of Work for his performances in The Messenger, Zombieland, and 2012. Harrelson’s exceptional performance in Rampart (2011) earned him the African American Film Critics Association Award. In recognition of his impact on the arts, Harrelson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hanover College in 2014.
Real Estate
Woody Harrelson has made strategic investments in real estate over the years. During the height of Cheers in 1989, he purchased a 3,200 square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills for $1.8 million, which is now valued at $5-6 million. In 1999, he bought an oceanfront property in Maui near Hana for $1.95 million, followed by the acquisition of several neighboring properties. These properties together form an expansive 8.5-acre estate. The land, once a cattle ranch, has since been transformed into a peaceful retreat, and given Harrelson’s vegan lifestyle, it is safe to assume that any animals on the property are well cared for.
FAQs About Woody Harrelson
1. How did Woody Harrelson start his acting career?
Woody Harrelson’s acting career began in the 1980s when he landed the role of Woody Boyd on the hit sitcom Cheers. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and helped launch his career in television.
2. What are some of Woody Harrelson’s most famous films?
Some of Woody Harrelson’s most famous films include The Hunger Games series, Zombieland, Natural Born Killers, No Country for Old Men, and True Detective (HBO series).
3. What causes does Woody Harrelson support?
Woody Harrelson is a passionate advocate for environmental causes, animal rights, and the legalization of marijuana. He is also a committed vegan and has been involved in various initiatives promoting sustainability and fighting pollution.
4. Has Woody Harrelson faced legal issues?
Yes, Woody Harrelson has been involved in several legal matters, including arrests for disorderly conduct, planting hemp seeds in 1996, and an incident involving a taxi in 2002. He has not served jail time for any of these incidents.
5. How many children does Woody Harrelson have?
Woody Harrelson has three daughters with his wife, Laura Louie: Deni (born in 1993), Zoe (born in 1996), and Makani (born in 2006).
6. What real estate does Woody Harrelson own?
Woody Harrelson owns multiple properties, including a mansion in Beverly Hills and an 8.5-acre oceanfront estate in Maui, Hawaii, which he purchased in the late 1990s.
Conclusion
Woody Harrelson’s career is a testament to his versatility, both as an actor and as an advocate for causes he believes in. From his iconic role on Cheers to his critically acclaimed performances in films and television, Harrelson has earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented and dedicated actors. Beyond his professional achievements, his commitment to environmental activism, veganism, and social issues has made him a prominent figure in public life. With significant real estate investments and a deep passion for personal causes, Woody Harrelson continues to be a well-rounded and influential figure, both in the entertainment industry and beyond.
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