Who Is James Woods? Age, Biography, and Wiki
James Woods, born on April 18, 1947, is an iconic American actor renowned for his compelling performances across film and television. In 2025, Woods will celebrate his 78th birthday, marking decades of versatile work in the entertainment industry. His career began in the early 1970s, quickly establishing him as a formidable talent with roles in films such as The Virgin Suicides, Casino, and Videodrome. Renowned for his intense portrayals and sharp wit, he has garnered multiple accolades, including two Emmy Awards.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 18, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Vernal, Utah, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
James Woods's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At 6 feet (183 cm) tall, James Woods has always had a commanding presence on screen. His weight fluctuates around 175 pounds (79 kg), and his body measurements remain notable for his age. While specific statistics may vary, his dedication to fitness plays a role in maintaining his health and appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, James Woods remains private about his personal life. Previously engaged to actress Sarah Owen and later to philanthropist Katharine Powers, his relationship status has often made headlines. Reports suggest he is currently single, focusing on his career and personal interests. Woods has no children, but his close relationships with family members and friends signify the support network that remains central to his life.
His father, Gail Peyton Woods, was a United States Army intelligence officer who died in 1960 after routine surgery. His mother, Martha A. (Smith), ran a pre-school after her husband's death and later married Thomas E. Dixon. Woods grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he attended Pilgrim High School, from which he graduated in 1965.
He is of part Irish descent and was raised Catholic, briefly serving as an altar boy.
Net Worth and Salary
James Woods has amassed a substantial fortune throughout his career. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth is attributed to his extensive work in film and television, along with voice acting in animated series and video games. His salary for various projects fluctuates; however, his starring roles historically command significant pay.
Woods played a supporting role of a hustler, Lester Diamond, in Martin Scorsese's Casino (1995), alongside Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.
When Woods had heard that Scorsese was interested in working with him, he called Scorsese's office and left the following message: "Any time, any place, any part, any fee." The film was well received by critics, earning a positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading, "Impressive ambition and bravura performances from an outstanding
cast help Casino pay off in spite of a familiar narrative that may strike some viewers as a safe bet for director Martin Scorsese." Also in 1995, he starred as H.R.
Haldeman in Oliver Stone's Nixon, opposite Anthony Hopkins as Richard Nixon. Woods received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination along with the rest of the cast for its ensemble work.
That same year he acted in the HBO television film Indictment: The McMartin Trial acting opposite Mercedes Ruehl earning nominations for Golden Globe Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie.
Career, Business, and Investments
With an impressive career spanning over five decades, Woods has transitioned seamlessly between genres, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. He has also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to characters in popular animated series. Besides acting, Woods is an astute businessman and has made wise investments in real estate and tech startups. His involvement in charities and public speaking showcases his commitment to social causes.
James Howard Woods (born April 18, 1947) is an American actor. Known for fast-talking, intense roles on screen and stage, he has received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
He started his career in minor roles on and off-Broadway before making his Broadway debut in The Penny Wars (1969), followed by Borstal Boy (1970), The Trial of the Catonsville Nine (1971) and Moonchildren (1972). Woods' early film roles include The Visitors (1972), The Way We Were (1973) and Night Moves (1975).
He starred in the NBC miniseries Holocaust (1978) opposite Meryl Streep.
Social Network
James Woods is active on social media platforms, primarily Twitter, where he engages with his fans and shares insights into his career, opinions, and life. However, he often uses these platforms to express his political views, which have garnered both support and criticism. His presence online remains a significant aspect of his connection with the public.
Woods took the starring role in the David Cronenberg written and directed science-fiction body horror film Videodrome (1983). Critic Janet Maslin of The New York Times praised the film and the leading performance writing, "By far Mr. Cronenberg's most inspired touch is the casting of Mr.
Woods, who brings an almost backhanded heroism to the horror genre. In villainous or sinister roles...Mr. Woods has been startling, but that kind of casting is almost a redundancy. Here, his offhand wisecracking gives the performance a sharply authentic edge.
And his jittery, insinuating manner even begins to look like a kind of innocence, in comparison with the calm, soothing attitudes of the video-crazed megalomaniacs he's up against."
Education
Woods is an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he studied political science. His education has often contributed to his articulate public persona and the depth he brings to his acting roles. Woods' intellectual background is reflected in the complexity of the characters he portrays on screen.
For his television roles, he is the recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for portraying as D.J. in the CBS movie Promise (1987) and Bill W. in the ABC film My Name Is Bill W. (1989). He has also played Roy Cohn in Citizen Cohn (1992) and Dick Fuld in Too Big to Fail (2011).
He starred in the CBS legal series Shark (2006–2008), and had a recurring role in the Showtime crime series Ray Donovan (2013). He has voiced roles for Hercules (1997), Recess: School's Out (2001), Stuart Little 2 (2002) and Surf's Up (2007), as well as voicing himself once in The Simpsons (1993), and several times in Family Guy (2005–2016).
