Woody Harrelson has built a distinguished career in Hollywood, earning considerable success and fame along the way. In the 1980s, the 61-year-old gained widespread recognition for his role as bartender Woody Boyd in the popular sitcom, Cheers, which earned him an Emmy award.
The actor has since then showcased his versatility by portraying both comedic and dramatic characters, thus establishing himself as a reliable talent in the entertainment industry. Harrelson also featured in other movies such as Zombieland, The Hunger Games, The People vs. Larry Flynt and War for the Planet of the Apes. On top of this, Harrelson has demonstrated his ability to be a devoted husband and father to his wonderful family.
Woody Harrelson explains how his childhood impacted his career
Harrelson revealed that his childhood played a significant role in shaping his career as an actor. Having grown up in a complicated family environment, he had to contend with his father’s absence and fighting life battles, which led to various personal issues.
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Even though the actor does not like to go public about his childhood experiences, he explained that he was full of negative feelings. “I had a lot of anger, a lot of rage,” Harrelson admitted. “I think I was also just too soft. I was so sensitive, so vulnerable.”
He also revealed that his mother, Diana Lou, has always been there for him. “I do feel she was a great influence on me and instilled a lot of good values.”
Woody Harrelson finds love
Harrelson was previously married to Nancy Simon before their divorce in 1986. He found love again a year after when he met Lara Louie, who was employed as his personal assistant. Harrelson revealed in an interview that he was not planning on a relationship before meeting his second wife. “I just was incapable of long-term relationships,” he confessed. “I was with whoever would have me. Then I met my wife.”
However, the actor stated that after some time working together, he expressed his affection for Louie and composed a song to articulate his emotions. He played the song for her, which led to her confessing her love, too. “Woody, I’ve been in love with you for the last two and a half years,” she said.
Woody Harrelson Says his family has always been there for him
The couple started their family and welcomed first daughter, Deni Montana Harrelson, in 1993 while their second daughter, Zoe Giordano Harrelson, was born in 1996. They decided to expand their family one more time with the arrival of their third child, Makani Ravello Harrelson, in 2006. After the birth of their three kids, Harrelson and Louie officially tied the knot in 2008.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the actor spoke about how becoming a father has changed his perspective on life. “It just changes everything. Suddenly you’re not the most important person in your life anymore, and that’s a great relief, in a way,” Harrelson told the news outlet. “It’s like, ‘Oh, thank God, I don’t have to worry about myself so much.'”
He also spoke to the news outlet about how his family has influenced his work, inspiring him to take on roles that promote positive values and messages. “My kids and my wife are everything to me,” Harrelson revealed. “They’re the reason I get up in the morning and the reason I do what I do.”