James Woods, a versatile and dynamic actor, has made an indelible mark in Hollywood through his compelling performances in film, television, and voice acting. With a career spanning decades, Woods, now 77 years old, remains a household name celebrated for his intense portrayals and unique screen presence. His journey from a young student at MIT to a revered actor is both fascinating and inspiring.
Early Life and Education
James Howard Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, to an army intelligence officer father and a pre-school owner mother. Raised in a Catholic household, he spent most of his childhood in Warwick, Rhode Island, alongside his older brother. Woods’ father passed away in 1960 when James was only 13, leaving a significant impact on his upbringing.
An academically gifted student, Woods graduated from Pilgrim High School in Warwick before enrolling at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study political science. Although initially aspiring to become an eye surgeon, Woods discovered a passion for acting through a student theater group. This newfound love for the arts led him to drop out of MIT just one semester shy of graduation to pursue a career in acting.
Breakthrough and Career Highlights
Woods began his acting journey in off-Broadway plays, eventually making his Broadway debut in 1970 with Borstal Boy. Over time, he established himself as a talented performer, appearing in nearly 40 stage productions before transitioning to film and television. His first major film role came in 1972 with The Visitors, followed by a notable appearance in The Way We Were (1973).
Woods gained widespread recognition with his gripping performance in the 1979 film The Onion Field, which earned him critical acclaim and opened doors to more significant roles. In 1984, he starred alongside Robert De Niro in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America, a film that received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 1986, Woods earned his first Academy Award nomination for Salvador, where he delivered a searing portrayal of a journalist covering the Salvadoran Civil War. His second Oscar nomination followed in 1996 for Ghosts of Mississippi. Other notable roles include Casino (1995), Nixon (1995), and The Virgin Suicides (1999).
Voice Work and Television Success
Woods is equally renowned for his work as a voice actor. In 1997, he brought the iconic character Hades to life in Disney’s Hercules, a role he reprised in the television spin-off and video games such as Kingdom Hearts. Additionally, he lent his voice to popular animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.
On television, Woods won two Primetime Emmy Awards—one for the 1987 film Promise and another for My Name Is Bill W. (1989). He also starred in the legal drama series Shark from 2006 to 2008, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, James Woods’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million. He accumulated much of his wealth through his acting career, spanning both on-screen performances and voice work. Woods has also dabbled in movie production, adding another revenue stream to his portfolio.
In addition to acting, Woods is an avid poker player who has competed in cash games and tournaments such as the World Poker Tour’s Hollywood Home Game series. His poker earnings include notable payouts, such as $49,712 in 2014 and $48,782 in 2005.
Real Estate Investments
Woods has made several lucrative real estate investments over the years. In 2014, he purchased a property in the Hollywood Hills for $2.2 million, which he later listed for $2.55 million in 2018. He also acquired properties in Beverly Hills, including one bought for $2.1 million in 2017 and sold for $2.35 million a year later.
Today, Woods’ primary residence is in the Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Unfortunately, his Palisades home was severely damaged in a 2025 fire. Additionally, he owns multiple properties in Rhode Island, including a lakefront home that was listed for $1.4 million in 2018.
Personal Life and Controversies
James Woods’ personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and controversies. He was married twice—first to costume designer Kathryn Morrison-Pahoa in 1980, with the marriage ending in divorce three years later. In 1989, he married equestrian Sarah Owens, 16 years his junior, but this marriage lasted only four months.
In 2005, Woods began dating 19-year-old Ashley Madison, reportedly the daughter of one of his golfing buddies. Their relationship ended in 2013. Woods has no children and is currently single.
Over the years, Woods has faced allegations and lawsuits, including a high-profile case against actress Sean Young, whom he accused of stalking. Young countersued, claiming Woods sought revenge for her rejecting his advances. The case was settled out of court, with Young awarded $227,000 in legal fees.
In 2017, actress Amber Tamblyn accused Woods of attempting to seduce her and a friend when they were 16. Woods denied these allegations.
Political Views
Woods’ political journey has been a topic of significant attention. Originally a Democrat, he became an Independent after President Bill Clinton’s impeachment and later aligned with the Republican Party. A vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, Woods has often shared his conservative views on Twitter, where he boasts over 2 million followers. His outspoken nature has sparked both support and controversy, leading to his talent agency dropping him in 2018, a move he attributed to his political stance.
Legacy
James Woods’ contributions to Hollywood and his ability to portray complex characters have cemented his legacy as one of the industry’s most respected actors. Despite controversies and challenges, his talent and versatility continue to shine, leaving an indelible impact on the entertainment world.