James Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island. His father, Gail Peyton Woods, was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, and his mother, Martha Woods, ran a pre-school. Woods attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a scholarship but left just before completing his degree in political science to pursue a career in acting.
Acting Career
James Woods is a renowned American actor known for his intense performances in both film and television, often portraying villains and complex characters. His acting career took off in the 1970s and spanned decades of critically acclaimed roles.
Breakthrough and Notable Roles:
- The Onion Field (1979): His breakthrough performance as a criminal in this crime drama earned him significant critical acclaim.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984): Portrayed Max, a key role in Sergio Leone’s crime epic.
- Casino (1995): Played Lester Diamond, a hustler in Martin Scorsese’s classic gangster film.
- Salvador (1986): Received an Academy Award nomination for his role as a journalist in war-torn El Salvador.
- Ghosts of Mississippi (1996): Earned another Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Byron De La Beckwith, the white supremacist convicted for the murder of Medgar Evers.
Voice Acting:
- Hades in Hercules (1997): Widely praised for his humorous and charismatic voice work.
- Family Guy: Recurring appearances as a fictionalized version of himself.
Recent News and Wildfire Incident
Wildfire Tragedy and Emotional Reaction
In January 2025, James Woods experienced a devastating wildfire event that destroyed his home in Pacific Palisades, California. While initially his property was reported safe, it was later confirmed that his residence was severely damaged.
Key Moments:
- Woods appeared on CNN in an emotional interview, breaking down in tears while describing the loss of his home. (Variety, 3 days ago)
- He described the event as a “miracle”, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost and sharing how he helped evacuate an elderly neighbor. (CNN, 3 days ago)
Public Reactions and Controversy
- His loss sparked mixed reactions online, with some celebrating the tragedy due to Woods’ outspoken political views. (Newsweek, 4 days ago)
- Keith Olbermann controversially suggested Woods “deserved it” due to his political affiliations. (OutKick, 3 days ago)
- Woods responded by criticizing the Los Angeles Fire Department for focusing on diversity initiatives instead of fire preparedness, stirring further debate. (Daily Mail, 3 days ago)
Political Views and Activism
James Woods is known for his conservative political views and vocal support for Donald Trump. Over the years, he has criticized liberal policies, Hollywood censorship, and political correctness, often making him a polarizing figure.
Key Stances:
- Gun Rights Advocate: Outspoken supporter of the Second Amendment.
- Critic of DEI Policies: Recently criticized the Los Angeles Fire Department for prioritizing diversity efforts over wildfire prevention.
- Free Speech: Advocates for open dialogue despite his controversial viewpoints.
Awards and Recognitions
James Woods has received numerous accolades for his work in film and television:
- 2 Primetime Emmy Awards (for Promise and My Name is Bill W.)
- Golden Globe Award (for Promise)
- 2 Academy Award Nominations (Salvador and Ghosts of Mississippi)
- Screen Actors Guild Award Nominations
Personal Life
Woods has been married twice:
- Kathryn Morrison (1980-1983)
- Sarah Owen (1989-1990)
He has no children and has often described himself as private despite his outspoken political presence on social media.
Legacy and Impact
James Woods’ legacy remains multifaceted:
- Acting Excellence: Renowned for his intense and versatile performances.
- Political Influence: Known for his conservative activism in Hollywood.
- Recent Tragedy: His wildfire experience has brought attention to climate risks and disaster preparedness in California.
