James Woods Biography: Wife, Age, Height, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Awards

James Howard Woods is an American actor renowned for his intense, fast-talking performances across film, television, and voice acting.

With distinctive roles in critically acclaimed movies like Salvador and Ghosts of Mississippi, he has earned two Academy Award nominations, as well as two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Widely recognized for voicing Hades in Disney’s Hercules, Woods is celebrated for his versatility, commanding presence, and enduring influence in entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: James Howard Woods
• Stage Name: James Woods
• Born: 18 April, 1947
• Age: 77 years old
• Birthplace: Vernal, Utah, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Artist, Producer
• Height: 1.8 m
• Parents: Gail Peyton Woods, Martha A. Woods
• Siblings: Michael Jeffrey Woods
• Spouse: Kathryn Morrison (1980–1983), Sarah Owen (1989–1989)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $8 million

Early Life and Education

James Howard Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, to Gail Peyton Woods, a U.S. Army intelligence officer, and Martha A. (née Smith) Woods.

He has a younger brother, Michael Jeffrey Woods, born approximately ten years later. Following his father’s death in 1960, his mother remarried Thomas E. Dixon.

Raised Catholic in Warwick, Rhode Island, James graduated from Pilgrim High School in 1965. Known for his academic aptitude, he earned acceptance and a scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, majoring in political science while participating in student theatre and fraternity life.

In 1969, he left MIT one semester before graduation to pursue professional acting. He is of white ethnicity and though his religion is unknown.

Career

James Woods began his career in regional theatre, featuring in over 30 productions before making his Broadway debut in The Penny Wars (1969), followed by works like Borstal Boy and Moonchildren.

His early transition into film included roles in All the Way Home (1971), The Way We Were (1973), and the miniseries Holocaust (1978), where his dramatic prowess began earning critical attention.

James Woods gained wider recognition in the late 1970s and 1980s with compelling roles in The Onion Field, and earned Academy Award nominations for Salvador (Best Actor) and Ghosts of Mississippi (Best Supporting) in 1986 and 1996, respectively.

He received two Primetime Emmy Awards for his performances in Promise (1987) and My Name Is Bill W. (1989), as well as a Golden Globe win. These accomplishments secured his status as a respected character actor in Hollywood.

James Woods continues to influence the entertainment industry with ongoing work in voice acting—most notably as Hades in Hercules—and roles in television series like Shark and Ray Donovan.

He expanded into production, serving as an executive producer on Oppenheimer (2023), while maintaining a recognizable presence on platforms like Family Guy. His career reflects dynamic versatility and a sustained legacy across diverse media.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @realjameswoods

Personal Life

James Woods was married to costume designer Kathryn Morrison from 1980 to 1983, followed by a brief marriage to Sarah Owen in 1989.

He has no children. Known to be private, he owns multiple residences and is vocal on political and social media platforms.

A passionate poker player and licensed pilot, Woods has faced personal challenges such as legal disputes and property insurance issues following a wildfire in California.

Filmography

• Salvador (1986) – Actor (Academy Award nominee)
• Videodrome (1983) – Actor
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984) – Actor
• Casino (1995) – Actor
• Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) – Actor (Academy Award nominee)
• Hercules (1997) – Voice of Hades
• The Virgin Suicides (1999) – Actor
• Shark (TV, 2006–2008) – Actor
• Ray Donovan (TV, recurring) – Actor

Net Worth

James Woods’s estimated net worth is approximately $8 million, stemming from a decades‑long acting career, voice work, and strategic real estate investments in California and Rhode Island.

His production work, including a role as executive producer on Oppenheimer, and various endorsements, further bolster his financial portfolio.