James Woods Bio
James Howard Woods (born April 18, 1947) is an American actor known for his fast-talking and intense roles on both screen and stage. He has received numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Woods began his career in minor roles on and off-Broadway before making his Broadway debut in The Penny Wars (1969). He gained recognition for his performances in films such as The Onion Field (1979), Salvador (1986), and Ghosts of Mississippi (1996). His versatility and talent have made him a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades.
Early Life and Background
James Howard Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah. He had a brother who was ten years younger. His father, Gail Peyton Woods, served as a United States Army intelligence officer and passed away in 1960 following routine surgery. His mother, Martha A. Woods, ran a preschool after her husband’s death and later remarried. Woods grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he attended Pilgrim High School, graduating in 1965. He is of part Irish descent and was raised Catholic, briefly serving as an altar boy. Woods later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he initially intended to become an eye surgeon. He was involved in the student theatre group Dramashop, acting in and directing several plays. Ultimately, he dropped out of MIT in 1969 to pursue an acting career.
Path to Hollywood
Woods’ journey to becoming a Hollywood actor began with his involvement in theatre. He appeared in 36 plays before making his Broadway debut in The Penny Wars in 1969. He followed this with performances in the American production of Borstal Boy (1970) and Daniel Berrigan’s The Trial of the Catonsville Nine (1971). His early film roles included The Visitors (1972) and The Way We Were (1973). By the late 1970s, Woods had established himself as a prominent character actor, gaining critical acclaim for his role as Gregory Powell in The Onion Field (1979).
James Woods Career
Early Career (1969–1976)
Woods began his career on Broadway, appearing in various productions before transitioning to film. His feature film debut came in Elia Kazan’s The Visitors, which premiered at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival. He continued to take on small roles in films throughout the early 1970s, including supporting roles in The Gambler (1974) and Night Moves (1975). His performance in The Onion Field marked a significant turning point in his career, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as a leading actor.
Breakthrough (1978–1989)
Woods rose to prominence in the late 1970s with his role in the NBC miniseries Holocaust (1978), where he starred alongside Meryl Streep. This performance earned him significant recognition and set the stage for his future success. In 1986, he portrayed journalist Richard Boyle in Salvador, a role that earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He followed this with a notable performance in Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), earning a second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Woods has starred in numerous acclaimed films, including Videodrome (1983), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and Casino (1995). He is also well-known for voicing Hades in Disney’s animated film Hercules (1997), a role he reprised in various related projects. His work in television includes acclaimed performances in films such as Promise (1986) and My Name Is Bill W. (1989), both of which earned him Primetime Emmy Awards.
James Woods Award Nominations
Over the course of his career, James Woods has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, including two Academy Award nominations for his performances in Salvador and Ghosts of Mississippi. He has also been nominated for three Screen Actors Guild Awards and several Golden Globe Awards, reflecting his impact and recognition in the industry.
James Woods Awards Won
James Woods has won several awards throughout his career, including three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his roles in Promise and My Name Is Bill W. He has also received an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor for his performance in Salvador.
James Woods Family
James Woods has been married twice. His first marriage was to costume designer Kathryn Morrison-Pahoa in 1980, which ended in divorce in 1983. He later married equestrian and boutique owner Sarah Owen in 1989, but this marriage lasted only four months.
Personal Life
Woods has expressed his interest in video games and is known to be an avid poker player, participating in various tournaments. He has also been involved in legal disputes, including a notable lawsuit against actress Sean Young for stalking, which was settled out of court. Woods has been vocal about his political views, transitioning from the Democratic Party to align with the Republican Party over the years. He has faced controversies regarding his statements on social media, particularly during significant political events.
