Five of the best Woody Harrelson movies
The prolific, versatile and three times Academy Award nominated actor turns 63 today
Five of the best Woody Harrelson movies
Woody Harrelson was born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas. He grew up in a tumultuous environment, as his father, Charles Harrelson, was a hitman who spent most of Woody’s childhood in prison. Woody’s mother, Diane, moved the family to Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended high school. Harrelson later attended Hanover College in Indiana, where he studied theater and English. It was here that he discovered his passion for acting, setting the stage for his future career.
Harrelson’s breakthrough role came in 1985 when he joined the cast of the hit NBC sitcom “Cheers” as Woody Boyd, a naive and lovable bartender. His performance earned him five Emmy nominations and one win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989. The role of Woody Boyd made Harrelson a household name and provided a solid foundation for his transition to film.
After “Cheers” ended in 1993, Harrelson successfully transitioned to the big screen. His film career took off with a diverse range of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. In 1991, he starred in “Doc Hollywood” alongside Michael J. Fox and followed with a notable performance in “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992), a sports comedy that became a commercial success.
In 1994, Harrelson delivered a standout performance in Oliver Stone’s controversial film “Natural Born Killers,” playing Mickey Knox, a serial killer on a rampage. This role marked a significant shift in his career, demonstrating his ability to handle complex and dark characters.
Harrelson continued to take on diverse and challenging roles throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of pornographer Larry Flynt in “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996), which garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His role in “The Thin Red Line” (1998) further solidified his reputation as a talented actor capable of deep, dramatic performances.
The 2000s and 2010s saw Harrelson in a variety of genres. He appeared in the dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games” series (2012-2015) as Haymitch Abernathy, and in the crime drama “No Country for Old Men” (2007), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His role in “Zombieland” (2009) and its sequel “Zombieland: Double Tap” (2019) showcased his comedic talents.
One of Harrelson’s most acclaimed performances came in 2009 with the film “The Messenger,” where he played Captain Tony Stone, earning him his second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor. He received his third Academy Award nomination for his role as Chief Willoughby in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017).
Woody Harrelson is known for his unconventional lifestyle and outspoken views. He has been a long-time advocate for environmental causes, veganism, and the legalization of marijuana. Harrelson married Laura Louie in 2008, and they have three daughters: Deni, Zoe, and Makani. The family lives in Maui, Hawaii, where Harrelson practices a sustainable lifestyle.
Harrelson’s personal life has had its share of controversies, particularly involving his father, who was convicted of multiple crimes and passed away in prison in 2007. Despite these challenges, Harrelson has maintained a successful career and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood. Today that he turns 63, here’s five of his best movies.
5 – “The Messenger”, 2009
4 – “No Country for Old Men”, 2007
3 – “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, 2017
2 – “Natural Born Killers”, 1994
1 – “The People Vs. Larry Flynt”, 1996
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