James Woods
James Woods: A Life of Passion and Artistry
Full Name and Common Aliases
James Howard Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Waltham, Massachusetts. He is often referred to as Jimmy by friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
April 18, 1947 – present
Nationality and Profession(s)
American actor, voice artist, and producer
Early Life and Background
Woods grew up in a Catholic household with his parents, Gail Brynner Woods, a model and actress, and Everett Gendel Woods, a successful attorney. His early life was marked by tragedy when his father died of cancer at the age of 45. This loss would later influence Woods' portrayal of complex characters throughout his career.
Woods developed an interest in acting at a young age, which led him to attend MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and later transfer to M.I.T.'s drama program. He eventually dropped out of college to pursue a full-time acting career.
Major Accomplishments
Woods' breakthrough role came in 1978 when he played the lead in the film "Serpico," opposite Al Pacino. This performance earned him critical acclaim and recognition within the industry. Throughout his career, Woods has demonstrated versatility by taking on diverse roles in film, television, and theater.
Some notable achievements include:
Five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Vick Mackey in "Raines" (2007) and John Ritter's character in the TV movie "A Case Against Karen Carpenter" (1988).
Three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996).
Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance as Hapgood in "Hapgood" (2002).Notable Works or Actions
Woods has appeared in over 150 films and television shows, showcasing his range and talent. Some notable works include:
Vampires (1998) – Woods played the role of Jack Crow, a vampire hunter.
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) – He portrayed Byron De La Beckwith's defense attorney in this drama based on the true story of Medgar Evers' assassination.
The Onion Field (1979) – Woods starred alongside John Savage in this crime drama about two police officers.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout his career, James Woods has demonstrated a commitment to exploring complex characters and themes. His dedication to his craft has earned him the respect of his peers and audiences worldwide.
Woods' impact extends beyond his performances on screen. He has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and has used his platform to raise awareness about various causes, including:
Supporting veterans through organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project.
Advocating for cancer research, having lost a family member to the disease.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
James Woods is widely quoted and remembered for his passion, dedication, and commitment to social justice. His extensive body of work serves as a testament to his artistry and talent. As an advocate for various causes, he continues to inspire audiences with his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.
Woods' legacy extends beyond the entertainment industry, serving as a reminder that one person can make a difference through their actions and commitment to others. His story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of art to shape our world.
Quotes by James Woods
James Woods's insights on:
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.
Do you think I want to be the one lone voice against the Hollywood liberal establishment? It's not going to do me any good.
Whatever it took to get elected president of the United States, I don’t think being a complete and utter moron is one of those predicates.
Celebrity – I don’t even know what that means. Obviously it’s the same basic word as celebration, but I don’t know what’s being celebrated.
Golfers are genuinely courteous in a discourteous world. Show me a guest on The Jerry Springer Show who’s a golfer.
The press is like a big bass, you just stick a hook in their mouth and they’ll take it.
Do you think I want to be the one lone voice against the Hollywood liberal establishment? It’s not going to do me any good.
Here’s what I believe a soul is – at least this, I believe it’s at least this. I believe that every kindness that we create in our lives, if it came because we were affected by a person we loved and lost, that person lives through that kindness. That’s what a soul is.
Achieving success as an actor has not been easy for me. My biggest, probably most irrational complaint has been that I’ve had to work harder for what I’ve gotten. I’ve seen other people with nepotism or wealth or cheesy good looks on their side who’ve had.