Woody Harrelson #112

Early Life and Education

Woody Harrelson was born to Diane Lou Oswald and Charles Harrelson. His father, Charles, was a contract killer who was convicted of assassinating a federal judge and was incarcerated for most of Woody's childhood. This tumultuous family background profoundly impacted Harrelson.

He was raised primarily in Ohio, where he attended Lebanon High School. Harrelson later attended Hanover College in Indiana, where he earned a degree in theater and English in 1983. His interest in acting developed during his college years, leading him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Career Breakthrough: Cheers and Early Success

Harrelson's breakthrough role came in 1985 when he joined the cast of the hit TV sitcom Cheers as Woody Boyd, a good-natured but dim-witted bartender. His performance was widely praised, and he remained with the show until it ended in 1993. Harrelson won an Emmy Award in 1989 for his work on Cheers and became a household name.

Film Career

After Cheers, Harrelson transitioned to film, taking on diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor. Some of his most notable early films include:

• White Men Can’t Jump (1992): Harrelson starred alongside Wesley Snipes in this sports comedy, which became a box-office hit.

• Natural Born Killers (1994): Directed by Oliver Stone, this controversial film featured Harrelson as Mickey Knox, a mass murderer glorified by the media. The role significantly elevated his status in Hollywood.

• The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996): Harrelson's portrayal of Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine, earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Harrelson continued to build a reputation as a versatile actor, appearing in films such as Kingpin (1996), The Thin Red Line (1998), No Country for Old Men (2007), Zombieland (2009), and The Hunger Games series (2012–2015), where he played the character Haymitch Abernathy.

In 2017, he received critical acclaim for his role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, earning his third Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor.

Activism and Environmentalism

Harrelson is well-known for his environmental activism and advocacy for the legalization of marijuana. He has been involved in various causes, including supporting sustainable living practices, veganism, and protesting deforestation. Harrelson has also worked to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the hemp industry.

Legal Issues

Throughout his life, Harrelson has had several run-ins with the law, primarily related to his activism and personal beliefs:

1. 1996 Arrest for Planting Hemp: Harrelson was arrested in Kentucky for symbolically planting hemp seeds to challenge the state’s laws banning the crop, which he argued was different from marijuana. He was later acquitted of the charges, as hemp is not a drug.

2. 1998 Altercation with a Taxi Driver: In 1998, Harrelson was involved in a physical altercation with a taxi driver in London, which led to his arrest. The charges were eventually dropped after he agreed to pay for the damages.

3. 2002 Incident in Columbus, Ohio: Harrelson was arrested for disorderly conduct after a confrontation with police outside a nightclub. The charges were dismissed after Harrelson completed a diversion program.

4. Marijuana Advocacy: Harrelson's outspoken support for marijuana legalization has led to some legal confrontations, but he has largely avoided significant legal consequences.

Personal Life

Harrelson married Laura Louie in 2008, after more than 20 years together. The couple has three daughters and lives in Maui, Hawaii. Harrelson is known for his laid-back lifestyle, commitment to environmental causes, and close-knit family life.

Legacy and Influence

Woody Harrelson has had a significant impact on both television and film, known for his ability to blend humor and drama in his performances. His roles have earned him critical acclaim, and his activism has made him a respected figure outside of the entertainment industry. Despite his brushes with the law, Harrelson has maintained a successful career and continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood.