Wood Harris Bio
Sherwin David “Wood” Harris (born October 17, 1969) is an American actor. He first garnered attention for his role as Motaw in the Jeff Pollack film Above the Rim (1994), prior to portraying high school football player Julius Campbell in the Walt Disney Pictures film Remember the Titans (2000) and Jimi Hendrix in the Showtime television film Hendrix (2000). He attained further recognition for his portrayal of drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on the HBO crime drama The Wire (2002–2008). Harris also played the role of cocaine dealer Ace, based on the life of Azie Faison, in the crime film Paid in Full in 2002. On television, Harris is known for playing Avon Barksdale in The Wire and Brooke Payne on the BET miniseries The New Edition Story in 2017. In addition, Harris starred as Barry Fouray on the VH1 miniseries The Breaks (2016–2017), Damon Cross on the Fox series Empire for its fifth and sixth season, and currently portrays the drug lord “Pat” in the Starz series BMF. He has also starred in films such as the 2009 dark comedy film Next Day Air, the 2015 Marvel Studios superhero film Ant-Man, the science fiction films Dredd (2012) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and the sports drama Creed (2015), along with its sequels Creed II (2018) and Creed III (2023).
Early Life and Background
Wood Harris was born in Chicago, Illinois, to seamstress Mattie and bus driver John Henry Harris. He is the younger brother of actor Steve Harris. He was given the nickname “Wood” by friends in his neighborhood because “Sherwin” was too difficult for some to pronounce. Harris discovered a passion for the arts as early as age twelve when he focused on drawing and painting. He played basketball for St. Joseph’s School, the subject of the award-winning documentary, Hoop Dreams. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Northern Illinois University, where he also played on the school’s basketball team. Harris earned a Master of Fine Arts from New York University. At one point, Harris was dismissed from NYU for tardiness; however, his classmates successfully petitioned to have him reinstated.
Path to Hollywood
While enrolled in Northern Illinois University, Harris starred in his first major film role in the basketball drama Above the Rim, opposite Duane Martin and co-starring Tupac Shakur. He appeared in many theatrical stage productions of various off-Broadway plays. Harris subsequently guest-starred in a variety of television and film venues before portraying legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix in Showtime’s 2000 film, Hendrix. Later that year, Harris received his first NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” along with the Blockbuster Movie Award nomination for “Favorite Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” for his role as Julius “Big Ju” Campbell in Remember the Titans. In 2002, he starred in the Dame Dash produced cult-classic film Paid in Full, based on the true story of three Harlem drug dealers with Harris playing the real-life kingpin Azie Faison.
Wood Harris Career
Early Career (1993–2000)
Wood Harris began his career in 1993 and gained significant attention with his performance in Above the Rim. His portrayal of Motaw marked the beginning of a successful acting journey. He continued to build his reputation with roles in various television shows and films, culminating in his acclaimed performance as Julius Campbell in Remember the Titans, which earned him critical recognition.
Breakthrough (2002–2008)
Harris’s breakthrough role came with his portrayal of Avon Barksdale in the HBO series The Wire, which aired from 2002 to 2008. This role solidified his status as a talented actor and opened doors for further opportunities in both film and television. He also starred in the cult classic Paid in Full during this period, which further showcased his range as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Wood Harris is best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire, which remains a defining moment in his career. He has received multiple award nominations for his performances, including NAACP Image Award nominations. His work in films such as Creed and its sequels has also contributed to his reputation as a versatile actor.
Wood Harris Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Wood Harris has received several award nominations, highlighting his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. His performances in both film and television have garnered critical acclaim and recognition from various organizations.
Wood Harris Awards Won
Wood Harris has won awards for his performances, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft. His work in the industry has been recognized by peers and critics alike, affirming his status as a prominent actor.
Wood Harris Family
Wood Harris is married to Rebekah Harris since 2001. They have two children together. His brother, Steve Harris, is also an accomplished actor, contributing to the family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Wood Harris maintains a relatively private personal life. He has been married to Rebekah Harris since 2001, and they share two children. Harris’s family background and his brother’s success in acting have influenced his career choices and artistic endeavors.
