James Woods, American actor and producer

James Howard Woods, born on April 18, 1947, is an American actor and producer renowned for his distinctive intensity and exceptional versatility across film, stage, and television. With a career spanning decades, Woods has captivated audiences with his ability to portray a wide array of complex characters, earning him critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

The Early Footing: Stage Beginnings and a Television Breakthrough

Woods' journey into acting began with significant work in the theater, where he honed his craft through various roles both off-Broadway and on the prestigious Broadway stage. These early experiences were foundational, providing him with the discipline and range that would define his later career. A notable early Broadway appearance came in 1972, when he performed in "The Trial of the Catonsville Nine" alongside talented actors like Sam Waterston and Michael Moriarty. That same year proved pivotal for his stage career, as his performance in "Moonchildren" earned him the highly respected Theatre World Award, an honor recognizing outstanding debut performances on the New York stage.

While his stage work established his reputation, Woods' television breakthrough arrived powerfully in 1978. He starred alongside the legendary Meryl Streep in the critically acclaimed four-part miniseries "Holocaust," portraying her husband. This poignant and harrowing series not only garnered immense attention for its sensitive portrayal of a dark chapter in history but also earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series, cementing Woods' presence on the national screen.

Transition to Film and Rising Acclaim

Following his stage successes and television recognition, Woods made his film debut in Elia Kazan's "The Visitors." He then transitioned into a series of impactful supporting roles in cinematic productions, including Sydney Pollack's romantic drama "The Way We Were" and Arthur Penn's neo-noir mystery "Night Moves" (1975). These early film appearances showcased his growing talent and ability to contribute significantly to an ensemble.

The year 1979 marked a significant turning point in Woods' film career with his leading role as Gregory Powell in the crime thriller "The Onion Field." His performance in this harrowing true-crime story garnered widespread critical praise, with renowned film critic Roger Ebert famously lauding Woods as "a special talent." This powerful portrayal earned him a coveted Golden Globe Award nomination, solidifying his status as a formidable leading man.

Iconic Roles of the 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s saw Woods delivering memorable performances in some of the decade's most distinctive films. He immersed himself in varied projects such as David Cronenberg's thought-provoking body horror film "Videodrome" (1983), Sergio Leone's epic crime saga "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984), and Oliver Stone's intense political drama "Salvador" (1986). His powerful portrayal in "Salvador" earned him his first Academy Award nomination, recognizing his exceptional talent in bringing complex characters to life.

Throughout the 1990s, Woods continued to impress in a variety of compelling character roles. He appeared in Richard Attenborough's biographical drama "Chaplin" (1992), Martin Scorsese's sprawling crime epic "Casino" (1995), and Oliver Stone's historical drama "Nixon" (1995). His ability to seamlessly inhabit such diverse personalities was consistently praised. In 1997, Woods received his second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor, for his chilling portrayal of Byron De La Beckwith, the white supremacist murderer of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, in Rob Reiner's impactful drama "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996). He further enriched a range of productions in supporting capacities, including Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday" (1999), Robert Zemeckis' science fiction film "Contact" (1997), Clint Eastwood's crime drama "True Crime," and Sofia Coppola's acclaimed debut "The Virgin Suicides" (1999).

A Prominent Presence in Television and Voice Acting

Beyond the silver screen, James Woods has maintained a significant and celebrated career in television, particularly through impactful television films. He delivered powerful biographical portrayals as Bill W. in "My Name is Bill W." (1989), Roy Cohn in "Citizen Cohn" (1992), and Rudy Giuliani in "Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story." A particularly noteworthy television appearance was on May 20, 1995, when Woods starred as Defense Attorney Danny Davis in "Indictment: The McMartin Trial," an HBO film based on the sensational true story of the McMartin preschool trial. This film is often cited as a critical moment that influenced public opinion regarding the widespread allegations of satanic ritual abuse in daycare centers across the United States during that era, showcasing Woods' ability to anchor culturally significant narratives.

His career experienced a resurgence in 2011 with his acclaimed performance as Dick Fuld in HBO's "Too Big to Fail," a film detailing the 2008 financial crisis. This role earned him both a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, further cementing his reputation for outstanding dramatic work on television. Woods also held a lead role in the CBS legal drama "Shark" (2006–2008) and made memorable guest appearances in Showtime's "Ray Donovan" (2013).

Demonstrating yet another facet of his diverse talent, Woods is also widely recognized for his distinctive voice work in animated features. He brought characters to life in Disney's "Hercules" (1997), "Recess: School's Out" (2001), "Stuart Little 2" (2002), and "Surf's Up" (2007). Additionally, he has lent his voice to animated sitcoms, often appearing as himself on various episodes of popular shows like "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons," showcasing his versatility and cultural impact beyond traditional live-action roles.

Accolades and Enduring Legacy

James Woods' remarkable career has been punctuated by significant recognition from his peers and critics alike. He has received two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Actor for his compelling work in Oliver Stone's "Salvador" (1986), and another for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable performance in Rob Reiner's "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996). His excellence in television has also been celebrated with two Primetime Emmy Awards, honoring his powerful roles in the television movies "Promise" (1987) and "My Name Is Bill W." (1989). Furthermore, Woods has earned three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations and three Independent Spirit Award nominations, reflecting the consistent high regard for his acting prowess across different mediums and genres.

As a testament to his lasting contribution to the entertainment industry, James Woods was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 15, 1998. Located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd, this star in the Motion Pictures Category solidifies his place among Hollywood's most distinguished talents.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Woods

What are some of James Woods' most famous film roles?
James Woods is celebrated for numerous film roles, including Gregory Powell in "The Onion Field," his Academy Award-nominated performances in "Salvador" and "Ghosts of Mississippi," and memorable parts in "Videodrome," "Once Upon a Time in America," "Casino," and "Contact."
Has James Woods won any major awards?
Yes, James Woods has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his television movies "Promise" (1987) and "My Name Is Bill W." (1989). He has also received two Academy Award nominations, three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, and a Golden Globe nomination.
What notable television work has James Woods done?
Beyond his Emmy-winning roles, Woods is recognized for his breakthrough in the miniseries "Holocaust," his leading role in the CBS drama "Shark," and impactful TV movies such as "Citizen Cohn," "Indictment: The McMartin Trial," and "Too Big to Fail."
Is James Woods also a voice actor?
Indeed, James Woods has a notable career in voice acting. He is well-known for lending his voice to characters in animated films like Disney's "Hercules" (as Hades), "Recess: School's Out," "Stuart Little 2," and "Surf's Up." He has also voice-acted as himself in episodes of "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons."
When did James Woods receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
James Woods was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 15, 1998, recognizing his significant contributions to motion pictures.