Woody Harrelson is an American actor, playwright and producer best known for his versatility across comedy, drama, crime and action films. Born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, he rose to fame playing bartender Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers before establishing a major film career with roles in movies such as Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, No Country for Old Men and the Hunger Games franchise. His work has earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Academy Award nominations.
Harrelson’s career has extended across television, film and theatre for more than four decades. He has played both comedic and dramatic characters, including Detective Marty Hart in HBO’s True Detective, Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games films and Tallahassee in the Zombieland franchise. His ability to move between mainstream entertainment and more demanding dramatic roles has kept him active across several generations of audiences.
Beyond acting, Woody Harrelson has also become known for environmental advocacy and his support for industrial hemp and cannabis reform. His personal interests have frequently intersected with environmental causes, veganism and sustainable living. In 2026, he has attracted renewed attention through Brothers, an Apple TV comedy series in which he stars alongside his longtime friend Matthew McConaughey.
Woody Harrelson’s Early Life
Woody Harrelson was born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, to Charles Voyde Harrelson and Diane Lou Harrelson. His father was convicted of murder and received a life sentence, leaving Woody and his two brothers to be primarily raised by their mother. The family later moved to Lebanon, Ohio, where Harrelson spent much of his childhood.
Harrelson was raised in a Presbyterian household and grew up in a family that faced financial difficulties after his father’s imprisonment. His mother worked as a legal secretary and played a central role in raising him and his brothers. His younger brother Brett Harrelson later also pursued acting, giving the family another connection to the entertainment industry.
During his teenage years, Harrelson became interested in theatre and acting. He attended Lebanon High School in Ohio and graduated in 1979. His interest in performance eventually developed into a serious career ambition, leading him to study theatre and English at college before moving to New York to pursue professional acting.
Woody Harrelson’s Education
Woody Harrelson attended The Briarwood School in Houston, Texas, before moving with his mother to Lebanon, Ohio, in 1973. He subsequently attended Lebanon High School, where he graduated in 1979. During his school years, acting and theatre became increasingly important interests as he considered his future career.
After high school, Harrelson enrolled at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. He studied English and theatre arts and became involved in the college’s theatrical activities. His education gave him formal training in literature, performance and the dramatic arts while he was developing an interest in becoming a professional actor.
Harrelson graduated from Hanover College in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in English and theatrical arts. Shortly after completing his education, he moved to New York City and began pursuing acting professionally. His first stage opportunities included work as an understudy in Neil Simon’s play Biloxi Blues, marking the beginning of his professional entertainment career.
Woody Harrelson’s Career
Woody Harrelson began his professional acting career in theatre before making his major television breakthrough. In 1985, he joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Cheers as bartender Woody Boyd. The role transformed him into a nationally recognised television actor and earned him five Primetime Emmy nominations, with Harrelson winning the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989.
While working on Cheers, Harrelson began expanding into film. He appeared in movies including Doc Hollywood, White Men Can’t Jump and Indecent Proposal before taking on more challenging dramatic roles. His performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, establishing that his career could extend well beyond television comedy.
Harrelson continued building his film career with appearances in Natural Born Killers, The Thin Red Line and No Country for Old Men. He later became widely recognised for playing Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games film series. His work in The Messenger and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri also earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.
Television remained an important part of Harrelson’s career after Cheers. In 2014, he starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in the first season of HBO’s True Detective, playing Detective Marty Hart. The performance earned Harrelson another Emmy nomination, while his work as both an actor and executive producer further demonstrated his involvement in television production.
Harrelson has continued working across film and television into the 2020s. His recent projects include Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Full Phil and the Apple TV comedy Brothers. He has also remained involved in theatre and other creative projects, maintaining a career that spans acting, producing and writing.
Woody Harrelson Stars in Brothers With Matthew McConaughey
Woody Harrelson is attracting major attention in September 2026 because of the global premiere of Brothers, his new Apple TV comedy series with longtime friend Matthew McConaughey. The eight episode series premiered on September 23, 2026, with the first two episodes released together and additional episodes scheduled weekly through November 4. Harrelson and McConaughey also serve as executive producers.
In Brothers, Harrelson and McConaughey play fictionalized versions of themselves whose longtime friendship becomes complicated when they discover a decades old secret suggesting that they might actually be brothers. The story begins after Woody’s daughter’s engagement falls apart, leading him to take his family to Matthew’s ranch in Austin. The series uses the real life friendship between the two actors as the foundation for a fictional comedy.
The series has also renewed interest in the pair’s long history together. Harrelson and McConaughey first worked together on EDtv and later appeared together in Surfer, Dude and True Detective. During promotion for Brothers in September 2026, the actors have discussed their decades long friendship, including stories about arguments and physical altercations that they say never seriously damaged their relationship.
Woody Harrelson’s Personal Life
Woody Harrelson was briefly married to Nancy Simon, the daughter of playwright Neil Simon. The couple married in 1985 and divorced in 1986. Harrelson later began a long term relationship with Laura Louie, whom he met when she worked as his assistant. Their relationship eventually became a marriage.
Harrelson married Laura Louie in December 2008. The couple have three daughters, Deni, Zoe and Makani. They have generally maintained a relatively private family life, although Harrelson and Louie have occasionally appeared together at public events, including the September 2026 premiere of Brothers.
Harrelson has also maintained strong personal interests in environmental issues, plant based living and cannabis and hemp reform. His activism has included environmental campaigns and efforts connected with industrial hemp legislation. He has also supported organisations including UNICEF and PETA.
Woody Harrelson’s Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Woody Harrelson is 65 years old as of September 2026. He was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, United States, and is American by nationality. He spent much of his childhood in Lebanon, Ohio, after moving there with his mother and brothers during his early teenage years.
Woody Harrelson was raised in a Presbyterian household. His mother, Diane Harrelson, was described as a devout Presbyterian, and religion formed part of his upbringing. Harrelson’s current personal religious beliefs are less clearly documented than his childhood religious background.
Woody Harrelson is commonly listed at approximately 5 feet 9½ inches, or about 1.77 metres, although some sources round his height to 5 feet 10 inches. He is known for his light coloured hair, blue eyes and distinctive Southern American appearance.
Woody Harrelson’s Net Worth
Woody Harrelson’s exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed through an audited financial statement. Celebrity financial publications commonly estimate his wealth at around $70 million in 2026, but this figure should be treated as an estimate rather than an officially verified amount.
Harrelson’s income has been built through a career spanning television, film, theatre and producing. His long running role on Cheers, major film appearances, The Hunger Games franchise, True Detective and other projects have provided multiple sources of professional income. His continued acting work also gives him ongoing opportunities in film and television.
Based on widely reported estimates, Woody Harrelson’s net worth can be cited at approximately $70 million in 2026. Because celebrity net worth figures are calculated by third parties and do not represent verified financial disclosures, the amount should be presented as an estimate rather than a confirmed personal fortune.
Woody Harrelson’s Legacy
Woody Harrelson has built a legacy around versatility. He moved from a successful sitcom role on Cheers into major dramatic films, franchise movies, crime television and independent productions without becoming permanently associated with one type of character. His career demonstrates a long transition from television comedy to one of Hollywood’s most recognisable character acting careers.
His performances have earned major recognition, including a Primetime Emmy Award and three Academy Award nominations. Roles such as Woody Boyd, Larry Flynt, Haymitch Abernathy and Marty Hart have become significant parts of his screen career, while his performances in films such as Natural Born Killers and No Country for Old Men have added further range to his body of work.
Harrelson’s legacy also extends beyond acting through his environmental advocacy and public support for hemp and cannabis reform. His career has combined mainstream entertainment with personal interests in environmental sustainability and activism, while his continued work in film and television has kept him relevant decades after his first major breakthrough.
Conclusion
Woody Harrelson has spent more than four decades building a career across television, film and theatre, beginning with Cheers and expanding into critically recognised dramas, major franchises and acclaimed television projects. His roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Hunger Games, True Detective and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri have established him as a versatile actor, while his environmental advocacy has added another dimension to his public identity. In September 2026, his return alongside Matthew McConaughey in Brothers has placed Harrelson back in the spotlight as the new Apple TV comedy begins its global run.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woody Harrelson
Who is Woody Harrelson?
Woody Harrelson is an American actor, playwright and producer best known for Cheers, The Hunger Games, True Detective, Natural Born Killers and The People vs. Larry Flynt.
How old is Woody Harrelson?
Woody Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, making him 65 years old as of September 2026.
Where was Woody Harrelson born?
Woody Harrelson was born in Midland, Texas, United States.
What is Woody Harrelson’s real name?
Woody Harrelson’s full birth name is Woodrow Tracy Harrelson.
Is Woody Harrelson married?
Yes. Woody Harrelson has been married to Laura Louie since 2008. He was previously married to Nancy Simon from 1985 to 1986.
Who is Woody Harrelson’s wife?
Woody Harrelson’s wife is Laura Louie. They have been married since 2008 and have three daughters together.
How many children does Woody Harrelson have?
Woody Harrelson has three daughters with Laura Louie: Deni, Zoe and Makani.
What is Woody Harrelson famous for?
Woody Harrelson is famous for playing Woody Boyd on Cheers, Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games, Detective Marty Hart in True Detective and Larry Flynt in The People vs. Larry Flynt.
Did Woody Harrelson win an Oscar?
No. Woody Harrelson has received three Academy Award nominations but has not won an Oscar. His nominations include The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Did Woody Harrelson win an Emmy?
Yes. Woody Harrelson won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Cheers in 1989.
What did Woody Harrelson study in college?
Woody Harrelson studied English and theatre arts at Hanover College in Indiana and graduated in 1983.
How tall is Woody Harrelson?
Woody Harrelson is commonly listed at approximately 5 feet 9½ inches, or 1.77 metres, although some sources round his height to 5 feet 10 inches.
What is Woody Harrelson’s nationality?
Woody Harrelson is American. He was born in Midland, Texas, United States.
What is Woody Harrelson’s religion?
Woody Harrelson was raised in a Presbyterian household. His current religious beliefs are not as clearly documented publicly.
What is Woody Harrelson’s net worth?
Woody Harrelson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $70 million in 2026. This is a third party estimate rather than a publicly confirmed financial figure.
Who is Woody Harrelson’s best friend?
Matthew McConaughey is one of Woody Harrelson’s longtime close friends. The two actors have worked together on projects including EDtv, Surfer, Dude, True Detective and Brothers.
What is Brothers about?
Brothers is an Apple TV comedy starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as fictionalized versions of themselves. The story follows their friendship after they discover a decades old secret suggesting they might actually be brothers.
Does Woody Harrelson play himself in Brothers?
Woody Harrelson plays a fictionalized version of himself in Brothers alongside Matthew McConaughey, who also plays a fictionalized version of himself.
When did Brothers premiere?
Brothers premiered globally on Apple TV on September 23, 2026, with its first two episodes released on the same day. New episodes are scheduled weekly through November 4, 2026.
Why are Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey in Brothers together?
Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey star together in Brothers because the comedy uses their real life friendship as the basis for a fictional story about two longtime friends who discover they might actually be brothers.