James Woods Biography, Net Worth, Height, Relationship, and More

James Woods, born James Howard Woods on April 18, 1947, is an American actor known for his intense and fast-talking roles on stage and screen. He has received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career, including three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and 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 1969. He has appeared in numerous films, including The Onion Field (1979), Salvador (1986), Casino (1995), and Ghosts of Mississippi (1996). Woods has also worked in television, starring in mini-series such as Holocaust (1978) and the series Shark (2006-2008).

His net worth is estimated to be $8 million as of 2023, and he stands at a height of 5 ft 10 in (1.803 m). Woods has been married three times, with his current spouse being Sara Miller-Woods, whom he married in 2021.

Early Life and Education

James Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah. He grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he attended Pilgrim High School. Woods’ father was an army intelligence officer, and his mother ran a preschool after her husband’s death. He is of part Irish descent and was raised Catholic.

Woods attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an undergraduate. Initially, he had planned to become an eye surgeon but dropped out of MIT in 1969 to pursue his acting career.

Woods credits Tim Affleck, father of actors Ben and Casey Affleck, for helping him kickstart his acting career by providing opportunities at the Theatre Company of Boston.

Career

James Woods embarked on his acting journey in off-Broadway plays, showcasing his talent and passion for the craft. He made his notable Broadway debut in 1970, captivating audiences with his performances in productions such as “Borstal Boy” and “The Trial of the Catonsville Nine.”

Throughout the 1970s, Woods ventured into the world of films, leaving a lasting impression with his roles in “The Visitors” (1972) and “The Way We Were” (1973). His exceptional acting skills garnered critical acclaim when he portrayed an unforgettable character in the miniseries “Holocaust” (1978).

However, it was his role in “The Onion Field” (1979) that brought Woods into the limelight and earned him an Academy Award nomination. This performance showcased his intense and versatile acting abilities, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Woods continued to leave his mark on both the big and small screens, delivering memorable performances in films such as “Videodrome” (1983), “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), “Salvador” (1986), and “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996), among many others. He showcased his range as an actor by seamlessly transitioning between different genres and characters.

Furthermore, Woods’s talent extended beyond acting, as he served as an executive producer on the film “Oppenheimer” (2023). This multifaceted approach to the entertainment industry further exemplifies his dedication to his craft.

James Woods’s illustrious career has been punctuated by critical acclaim and recognition, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s finest actors.

Awards and Accolades

James Woods has garnered significant recognition in the entertainment industry, receiving numerous awards and nominations for his outstanding performances. His talent and versatility have earned him accolades from prestigious institutions and organizations.

Emmy Awards

• Woods has won three Emmy Awards throughout his career.
• Two of these awards were for his exceptional performances in television films:

1. “Promise” (1986)
2. “My Name Is Bill W.” (1989)

Academy Awards

• James Woods has been nominated for Academy Awards, cementing his status as one of the industry’s most respected actors.
• His notable nominations include:

1. “Salvador” (1986)
2. “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996)

Screen Actors Guild Awards

• Woods has also received nominations for Screen Actors Guild Awards, showcasing his exceptional talent and contribution to the world of film.
• His work in movies such as “Salvador” (1986) and “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996) has been commended.

James Woods’ ability to immerse himself into intricate and intense characters has captivated both critics and audiences alike. Through his memorable performances, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Personal Life and Relationships

James Woods has had an eventful personal life, marked by three marriages and various relationships throughout the years. His first marriage was to Kathryn Morrison, lasting from 1980 to 1983. He then tied the knot with Sarah Owen in 1989, but their marriage ended in divorce after just one year. In 2021, Woods found love again and married his current spouse, Sara Miller-Woods.

While Woods’ marriages have been publicized, he has largely kept his personal life away from the spotlight. However, it is worth mentioning that he has been involved with several notable individuals, including actress Ashley Madison.

With a focus on his acting career, Woods prefers to maintain a private and low-key personal life, allowing his work to take center stage. Over the years, he has managed to strike a balance between his professional and personal endeavors.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

James Woods has established a substantial net worth throughout his successful acting career, which spans over five decades. As of 2023, Woods’ net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.

Woods has accumulated his wealth through his involvement in various film and television projects. His talent and versatility as an actor have allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, contributing to his financial success.

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Woods has also ventured into voice acting for animated films and video games. This diversification of his career has further added to his financial standing.

Throughout his career, Woods has demonstrated prudent financial management. His wise financial decisions have enabled him to maintain a stable financial standing and secure his long-term financial well-being.

Height and Physical Attributes

James Woods stands at a height of 5 ft 10 in (1.803 m). Known for his lean and charismatic presence on screen, Woods often takes on roles that require intensity and complexity. Although his height may not be considered exceptionally tall in the entertainment industry, his talent and acting skills have made him a highly respected and sought-after actor.

Filmography and Notable Roles

James Woods has had a prolific career in film and television, with over 130 credits to his name. His filmography showcases his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and complexity to each role he portrays.

Some of James Woods’ most notable film roles include:

1. “The Onion Field” (1979): In this crime drama, Woods delivers a powerful performance as a cop facing the moral consequences of a tragic event.
2. “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984): Woods captivates audiences with his portrayal of Max, a ruthless gangster operating in 1920s New York.
3. “Salvador” (1986): Woods earns critical acclaim for his role as a photojournalist caught in the midst of the Salvadoran Civil War.
4. “Nixon” (1995): In this biographical drama, Woods shines as Richard Nixon’s aide, H.R. Haldeman, capturing the complexity of a controversial figure in American history.
5. “Casino” (1995): Woods delivers a memorable performance as a conniving gangster in this Martin Scorsese crime thriller set in Las Vegas.
6. “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996): Woods portrays a determined lawyer seeking justice for the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers in this powerful drama.
7. “The Virgin Suicides” (1999): Woods showcases his range in this thought-provoking film, playing the overprotective father of a group of enigmatic sisters.

In addition to his live-action roles, James Woods has also lent his voice to animated films. Some notable examples include:

• “Hercules” (1997): Woods brings his distinctive voice to the role of Hades, the villainous god of the underworld.
• “Stuart Little 2” (2002): Woods adds depth and humor to the character of Falcon, a menacing falcon threatening the beloved mouse protagonist.

James Woods’ filmography exemplifies his talent and range as an actor, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most accomplished performers.

Television Career

In addition to his successful film career, James Woods has also made a notable impact in the world of television. His talents and versatility as an actor have shone through in various television series and mini-series.

“Holocaust” (1978)

One of Woods’ standout television appearances was in the mini-series “Holocaust” (1978). His performance in this critically acclaimed drama earned him praise and showcased his ability to depict complex characters with conviction.

“Shark” (2006-2008)

Woods also took on the lead role in the television series “Shark” (2006-2008), where he portrayed a charismatic defense attorney turned prosecutor. His strong presence and compelling performance captivated audiences, further solidifying his place in the television industry.

“Ray Donovan” (2013)

Another memorable television role for Woods was in the series “Ray Donovan” (2013), where he played an enigmatic and powerful fixer. His captivating portrayal added depth and intrigue to the show, earning him accolades from both critics and fans.

Throughout his television career, James Woods has proven his range as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between different genres and formats. His contributions to the small screen have been highly regarded, and his performances continue to captivate audiences.

Voice Acting Work

James Woods has showcased his talent and versatility through his voice acting work in animated films and video games.

One of his notable voice acting roles was as the character Hades in Disney’s “Hercules” (1997) and its subsequent television spin-off. Woods brought his unique voice to the character, adding depth and personality to the role.

He has also lent his voice to other animated films, including “Recess: School’s Out” (2001), “Stuart Little 2” (2002), and “Surf’s Up” (2007). In each project, Woods’ distinctive voice brought the animated characters to life, captivating audiences with his performance.

In addition to animated films, James Woods has also provided his voice for various video games. He has voiced characters in the popular “Kingdom Hearts” series, immersing players in the game’s narrative through his exceptional voice acting skills.

James Woods’ voice acting work demonstrates his range and talent beyond traditional film and television roles. His unique voice and ability to portray diverse characters have contributed to the success of the animated projects he has been a part of.

Political Views

James Woods, a well-known American actor, has been vocal about his political views and identifies as a conservative. With his platform as a public figure, Woods has consistently expressed support for President Donald Trump, often using platforms such as Twitter to voice his opinions on political and social issues.

Woods has been an active commentator on a variety of topics, including his conservative beliefs. He has criticized what he perceives as a strong liberal bias in Hollywood, expressing the belief that conservative voices are frequently marginalized in the entertainment industry. Through his public statements, Woods has shown a commitment to sharing his perspectives and engaging in discussions on political matters.

By openly expressing his conservative political views, James Woods has asserted himself as a prominent figure in the conservative movement and has sparked conversations about the intersection of politics and the entertainment industry.

Real Estate Investments

James Woods, in addition to his successful acting career, has also made several astute real estate investments. As a savvy investor, he has acquired multiple properties, demonstrating his financial acumen and wealth accumulation. One notable property in his portfolio is a luxurious house situated in the prestigious Hollywood Hills, purchased by Woods in 2014 for an impressive $2.2 million.

Expanding his real estate holdings, Woods also owns properties in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills. In 2015, he acquired another desirable property in this renowned area, adding to his impressive real estate portfolio. These properties exemplify his success in the industry and showcase his discerning taste and appreciation for prime locations.

Further highlighting his real estate ventures, Woods has owned a beautiful lake-front property in Exeter, Rhode Island. This stunning property, which was available for sale in 2018, offers a serene and picturesque retreat. Woods’ strategic real estate investments not only contribute to his financial prosperity, but they also provide him with comfortable and desirable living arrangements.