Woody Harrelson, born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, has carved out a remarkable career as both an acclaimed actor and outspoken activist. Raised in Lebanon, Ohio, after his parents separated, Harrelson’s early life was shaped in part by the shocking fact that his father, Charles Harrelson, was a contract killer who spent most of Woody’s life behind bars. Despite this dramatic start, Woody pursued higher education, graduating from Hanover College with a degree in theater and English, where he crossed paths with future Vice President Mike Pence.
After moving to New York City, Harrelson immersed himself in the theatre world, performing in off-Broadway productions and honing his craft. His television debut came in 1985 when he was cast as Woody Boyd on the hit sitcom Cheers. The character, created specifically for him, quickly became a fan favorite and earned him five Emmy nominations, winning in 1989.
Harrelson’s acting trajectory since Cheers has been dynamic and expansive. He has starred in a wide variety of roles in films such as Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. He has earned three Academy Award nominations and has been recognized by BAFTA, Golden Globes, and the Screen Actors Guild. Harrelson has frequently cited Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, and progressive writers like Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn as his inspirations, with many younger actors, such as Jesse Eisenberg and Abigail Breslin, now looking to Harrelson as a role model themselves.
In his personal life, Harrelson has been in a long-standing relationship with Laura Louie, whom he married in 2008. Together, they have three daughters and live a largely off-the-grid lifestyle in Maui, Hawaii, embracing sustainability and organic living. Harrelson’s activism extends into his entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded Holistic Spirits Company in 2023, releasing plant-based spirits like Origen Vodka and Harmony Gin. He also launched Harrelson’s Own, a full-spectrum organic CBD spray, and opened a cannabis dispensary called The Woods WeHo in West Hollywood.
Never shy about his beliefs, Harrelson has been arrested for protesting the destruction of redwood forests and has long campaigned for marijuana legalization, environmental causes, and regenerative farming. He has lent his voice to documentaries like Kiss the Ground, using his platform to advocate for sustainable living and systemic change.
Woody Harrelson continues to stand out in Hollywood not just for his versatility as an actor, but for his relentless pursuit of a better world—whether through comedy, protest, or vodka infused with elderberries.
Citations:
Food Processing. (2023, September 6). Woody Harrelson’s Holistic Spirits Co. debuts, launches first two all-natural botanical spirits. https://www.foodprocessing.com/product-development/beverage-products/news/33012206/woody-harrelsons-holistic-spirits-co-debuts-launches-first-two-all-natural-botanical-spirits/
VinePair. (2023, September 6). Woody Harrelson launches Holistic Spirits Company. https://vinepair.com/booze-news/woody-harrelson-launches-holistic-spirits-company/
Harrelson’s Own. (n.d.). Harrelson’s Own Organic CBD Spray. https://secure.harrelsonsown.com/
Wikipedia. (2024, June 10). Woody Harrelson. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Harrelson