James Woods Net Worth

What is James Woods Net Worth?

James Woods net worth is US$ 8 Million as of Jan 2023.

Biography

James Woods is an American actor renowned for his versatile and intense performances across film, television, and theater. With a decades-long career, Woods has earned widespread recognition for portraying complex and often edgy characters. He garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his role in “Salvador” (1986) and further displayed his talent in films like “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), “Casino” (1995), and “Videodrome” (1983).

Woods has also left his mark on television with appearances in series such as “Shark” (2006–2008) and “Ray Donovan” (2013–2015). His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth to a variety of roles solidify him as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Timeline

Early Life

Born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, James Woods grew up with a passion for acting and a keen intellect. Gail Peyton Woods, his father, was an intelligence officer in the army who passed away in 1960 following routine surgery. After her father’s passing, James’ mother Martha and step-father Dixon raised him in Warwick, Rhode Island. Woods graduated in 1965 from Pilgrim High School in Warwick. He was reared Catholic, with some Irish ancestry, and temporarily worked in the church in assisting the priest. He attended MIT but soon transferred to UCLA to pursue his interest in acting. His early career involved stage performances, including Shakespearean plays.

Woods’ determination led him to New York City, where he honed his skills in theater and eventually transitioned to film. His breakthrough came with the film “The Onion Field” (1979), which showcased his ability to embody complex characters. This marked the beginning of his journey as a prominent actor. This established his reputation for intense and riveting performances that would define his later career.

Career

Before his first appearance on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre in 1970 in the first American version of Frank McMahon’s adaption of Brendan Behan’s Borstal Boy, Woods acted in 36 plays. The next year, at the Lyceum Theatre, he went back to Broadway to play David Darst in Daniel Berrigan’s The Trial of the Catonsville Nine. In Michael Weller’s Moonchildren’s American debut at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. 1971, he played the role of Bob Rettie.

The next year, the play was enacted in the Royale Theatre on Broadway with Edward Herrmann, Christopher Guest, and Woods in the lead roles. For his acting, Woods received a Theatre World Award in 1972. In 1973, he played Steven Cooper and returned to Broadway to play in the Plymouth Theatre’s first staging of Jean Kerr’s Finishing Touches. Having been in over 130 movies and television shows, Woods has established an influence as a well-known Hollywood character actor.

Early in the 1970s, he began earning small film roles, which involved his debut in a major motion picture with Elia Kazan’s The Visitors and a part as Barbra Streisand’s lover in ‘The Way We Were’. In the four-episode Holocaust mini-series, which received critical praise, Woods portrayed Meryl Streep’s husband.

Along with seven more Primetime Emmy Awards, Holocaust was named as the winner in the Outstanding Limited Series category. Woods portrayed Gregory Powell, the killer in The Onion Field 1979. He was proposed for Best Actor honors from the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Circle Association, and the Golden Globes for his portrayal, which earned favorable reviews. In Sergio Leone’s legendary movie ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ in 1984, Woods starred with Robert De Niro, Elizabeth McGovern, Danny Aiello, and Joe Pesci as Jewish mobster Maximillian “Max” Bercovici. Woods played his favorite movie role in this movie.

At its 1984 Cannes debut, the movie got standing applause for 15 minutes. Woods played the authentic role of the journalist Richard Boyle, who documents incidents in El Salvador, in Oliver Stone’s drama ‘Salvador’ in 1986. The made-for-television movie Promise 1986, in which Woods played a disabled man, earned him the Primetime Emmy Award in 1987. For his acting as Bill W., the father of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the made-for-television drama film, My Name is Bill W, starring Gary Sinise and James Garner, Woods received his second Primetime Emmy Award in 1989.

Woods continued to deliver standout performances in various genres in the following years. His roles ranged from dramatic turns in films like “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996), where he portrayed a determined lawyer, to more villainous characters in movies like “Casino” (1995). Woods’ captivating presence extended to television as well. He starred in series such as “Shark” (2006–2008) as a charismatic defense attorney and “Ray Donovan” (2013–2015) as a powerful studio executive.

Beyond his acting prowess, Woods’ dedication to his craft and willingness to tackle challenging roles have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His legacy is one of consistently compelling performances that have left an indelible mark on film and television.

Highlights

• Salvador (1986)
• Promise (1986)
• My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
• Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
• Disney’s Hercules: The Animated Series (1997)

Favorite Quotes from James Woods

“I’m a pretty quiet guy, but if people want to think of me as a lady killer, I guess that’s good.”

– James Woods

“ If you strive for the moon, maybe you’ll get over the fence.”

– James Woods

“No matter what it is, if you get 10 people in the business talking about something, you get 10 different opinions, but you know, they’re amazingly well informed.”

– James Woods

“I’m famous for being nicer to my fans than anyone on the face of the Earth because I figure a) They pay my salary, and b) It’s probably like a big moment in your life to meet somebody so I would say, just come on up.”

– James Woods

“ I look back on my life and have to face the fact that I have been narcissistic and selfish.”

– James Woods

Life Lessons from James Woods

Standing Up for Beliefs

Woods has been vocal about his political views, even if they differ from the mainstream in Hollywood. One could interpret this as a reminder to stand up for what you believe in, even when facing opposition.

Adaptability

Woods has showcased his versatility by performing in a wide range of genres, from drama to comedy to thriller. This ability to adapt and excel in various roles can teach us the value of being open to new experiences and challenges.

Passion for Learning

Beyond acting, Woods is known for his intellect and passion for learning. He attended MIT and Harvard and has been involved in political discussions. This emphasizes the idea that pursuing knowledge and engaging in intellectual pursuits can enrich our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

James Woods is an American actor known for his versatility and intense performances. He was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah. Woods began his acting career on the stage before transitioning to film and television. He gained attention for his roles in films like “Videodrome,” “Salvador,” and “Once Upon a Time in America“. He showcased his ability to portray complex and often morally ambiguous characters. Woods’ sharp intellect and commanding presence led to roles in a wide range of genres, from drama to comedy, earning him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. He won two Academy Award nominations.

His notable TV work includes appearances in series like “Shark” and “Ray Donovan.” Woods is known for expressing his outspoken political views on social media outside of his acting career. He has a reputation as a skilled character actor and has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.