Woody Harrelson

About

Woody Harrelson is a versatile actor, environmental activist, and philanthropist, known for his dynamic performances on both stage and screen. Born in Texas in 1961, Harrelson began his acting career in New York City, performing in off-Broadway productions before landing his breakout role in the television series ‘Cheers.’ Since then, he has starred in numerous films and television shows, earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition for his talent and versatility. Over the years, Harrelson has also become a prominent figure in the environmental and political spheres, using his platform to advocate for various causes and raise awareness about important issues.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Woody Harrelson’s life and career, exploring his achievements as an actor, activist, and philanthropist, and discussing his future plans and endeavors.

Early Life and Career of Woody Harrelson

Childhood and Family Background

Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas. He was the second son of Diane and Charles Harrelson, who was a hitman and known criminal. Harrelson’s father was arrested in 1968 for the murder of a federal judge and was sentenced to two life sentences in prison.

Education and Early Career

Harrelson attended Hanover College in Indiana and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and English in 1983. He moved to New York City after graduation and became a part-time messenger while auditioning for acting roles. He made his Off-Broadway debut in the play “”Biloxi Blues”” in 1985.

Breakthrough in Television with ‘Cheers’

Harrelson’s big break came in 1985 when he landed the role of Woody Boyd in the hit television show “”Cheers.”” His goofy and lovable character was an instant hit with audiences, and he stayed on the show for eight seasons until it ended in 1993.

Woody Harrelson’s Acting Achievements and Awards

Notable Performances on Stage and Screen

Harrelson continued to make a name for himself in Hollywood with notable performances in films such as “”White Men Can’t Jump”” (1992), “”Natural Born Killers”” (1994), and “”The People vs. Larry Flynt”” (1996). He also made a successful return to the stage in the 2014 Broadway production of “”The Glass Menagerie.””

Recognition and Nominations for Acting

Harrelson has received numerous nominations for his acting, including three Academy Awards, six Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. He won his first Emmy Award in 1989 for his role in “”Cheers”” and his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in “”The People vs. Larry Flynt”” in 1996.

Academy Award and Emmy Award Wins

Harrelson won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2017 film “”Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”” He also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 2016 HBO film “”All the Way.””

Woody Harrelson’s Filmography and Memorable Performances

Early Film Roles in ‘White Men Can’t Jump’, ‘Natural Born Killers’, and More

Harrelson’s early film roles included his performance as Billy Hoyle in “”White Men Can’t Jump”” and Mickey Knox in “”Natural Born Killers.”” He also appeared in films such as “”The Thin Red Line”” (1998), “”No Country for Old Men”” (2007), and “”The Messenger”” (2009).

Collaboration with Director Oren Moverman on ‘The Messenger’ and ‘Rampart’

Harrelson collaborated with writer-director Oren Moverman on the critically acclaimed films “”The Messenger”” and “”Rampart.”” In “”The Messenger,”” Harrelson played a military officer tasked with informing families of soldiers’ deaths, while in “”Rampart,”” he portrayed a corrupt Los Angeles police officer.

Recent Projects, including ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, and ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’

Harrelson’s recent film credits include his role as the quirky mentor Beckett in “”Solo: A Star Wars Story”” and reprising his role as Tallahassee in “”Zombieland: Double Tap.”” He also starred in the 2017 film “”Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,”” which earned him his first Academy Award.

Woody Harrelson’s Personal Life and Philanthropy

Relationships and Parenthood

Harrelson has been married to Laura Louie since 2008, and the couple has three daughters. He has been open about his struggles with monogamy and drug and alcohol addiction in the past.

Support for Various Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

Harrelson is an active supporter of various charities and non-profit organizations, including the Rainforest Foundation Fund, PETA, and the Lunchbox Fund. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Advocacy for Marijuana Legalization and Hemp Farming

Harrelson is a strong advocate for marijuana legalization and the benefits of hemp farming. He has been involved in various initiatives promoting industrial hemp and has even applied for a license to grow hemp in Hawaii.2>

Woody Harrelson’s Environmental Activism and Veganism

Woody Harrelson is not just an accomplished actor and producer, but also a passionate environmentalist and vegan activist. His focus has been on combating climate change and deforestation, both of which pose a significant threat to our planet’s health.

Efforts to Combat Climate Change and Deforestation

Harrelson actively supports and invests in carbon-based environmental organizations that aim to tackle climate change. He has been involved in several campaigns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the Stop the Keystone XL pipeline movement, which aimed to stop the construction of a pipeline that would have transported crude oil from Canada to Nebraska.

Moreover, he has also been an advocate for ending deforestation by supporting campaigns and organizations that promote sustainable forestry practices. He has also served as an ambassador for the Roots & Shoots program, which aims to educate young people about environmental issues and encourage them to take action.

Founder of Prairie Pulp & Paper Inc., a Sustainable Paper Company

In 2012, Harrelson co-founded Prairie Pulp & Paper Inc., a sustainable paper company that produces high-quality paper products from wheat straw instead of trees. The company aims to reduce the number of trees being cut down and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Promotion of Plant-Based Diets and Animal Rights Activism

Harrelson is a vegan and often promotes plant-based diets for their environmental and ethical benefits. He is also an animal rights activist and has been involved in campaigns against animal cruelty, including one that called for a ban on animal circuses.

Woody Harrelson’s Political Views and Advocacy

Apart from his environmental and vegan activism, Woody Harrelson is also an outspoken advocate for progressive political views and causes.

Support for Progressive Candidates and Issues

Harrelson has publicly endorsed several progressive politicians and candidates, including Bernie Sanders, a US senator and former presidential candidate. He has also been a vocal supporter of social justice causes, such as gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.

Opposition to the Iraq War and Nuclear Energy

Harrelson has been a vocal critic of the Iraq War and nuclear energy, citing their environmental and humanitarian impact. He has also been involved in campaigns against nuclear weapons, including the Zero Project, an initiative aimed at promoting global nuclear disarmament.

Participation in Protests and Social Movements

Harrelson has participated in several protests and social movements, including the Women’s March, the Climate Strike, and the Black Lives Matter movement. He has also been a supporter of the Standing Rock protests, which aimed to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Woody Harrelson’s Future Projects and Endeavors

Harrelson’s career spans across several decades, and he has no plans of slowing down.

Upcoming Film Roles in ‘Triangle of Sadness’, ‘The Man with the Miraculous Hands’, and ‘The Highwaymen 2’

Harrelson has several upcoming projects, including ‘Triangle of Sadness,’ a movie set to be released in 2022, ‘The Man with the Miraculous Hands,’ a biographical drama, and ‘The Highwaymen 2,’ a sequel to the 2019 Netflix movie.

Plans to Direct and Produce More Projects with His Company, Fruit Tree Media

Harrelson’s company, Fruit Tree Media, has produced several documentaries and TV shows, including ‘Ethos’ and ‘The Edge of Democracy.’ He plans to continue directing and producing more projects that promote progressive views and causes.Woody Harrelson has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond, using his talent, influence, and resources to make a positive impact on the world. From his iconic performances on screen to his passionate advocacy for environmental and social causes, Harrelson has proven himself to be a true force to be reckoned with. As he continues to pursue new projects and initiatives, we can only wait and see what the future holds for this remarkable actor and activist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Woody Harrelson best known for?

Woody Harrelson is best known for his roles in various films, including ‘White Men Can’t Jump’, ‘Natural Born Killers’, and ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise. He has also been recognized for his work on television, particularly for his role as Woody Boyd in the long-running series ‘Cheers.’

What causes and issues does Woody Harrelson support?

Woody Harrelson is a vocal advocate for environmental causes, including deforestation and climate change. He is also a proponent of veganism and animal rights, and has been involved in efforts to legalize marijuana and promote hemp farming. In the political sphere, Harrelson has supported progressive candidates and issues, and has been an active participant in protests and social movements.

What awards has Woody Harrelson won?

Over the course of his career, Woody Harrelson has been nominated for and won numerous awards for his acting, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ and an Emmy Award for his performance in the television series ‘True Detective.’ He has also been recognized for his humanitarian and environmental work, receiving awards and honors from various organizations.

What upcoming projects does Woody Harrelson have in the works?

Woody Harrelson has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including the films ‘Triangle of Sadness’, ‘The Man with the Miraculous Hands’, and ‘The Highwaymen 2.’ He has also expressed interest in directing and producing more projects through his company, Fruit Tree Media.”

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023