James Woods is a talented and versatile American actor who has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His acting career spans theater, film, and television, with a remarkable range of performances. Woods started in theater, making his Broadway debut in 1970, and transitioned to film and television in the 1970s. His breakthrough performance came in The Onion Field (1979), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. He followed this up with another Oscar nomination for his role in Salvador (1986).
Over the years, Woods has become synonymous with playing intense and often villainous roles. Some of his most well-known films include Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Casino (1995), and Ghosts of Mississippi (1996). He also made his mark in animation as the voice of Hades in Disney’s Hercules (1997) and became a staple in TV voice work with recurring roles on The Simpsons and Family Guy. Additionally, Woods won Emmy Awards for his television work in Promise (1987) and My Name Is Bill W. (1989), and he starred in the series Shark from 2006 to 2008. In 1998, his career was further cemented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
James Woods’ Early Life
James Howard Woods was born on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah. He was raised in a Catholic family and had a much older brother. After his father, a military intelligence officer passed away in 1960, Woods moved with his family to Warwick, Rhode Island. Growing up, James initially planned to pursue a career in medicine and attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He even aspired to become an eye surgeon but his fate took a turn when he joined a student theater group at MIT.
Woods soon discovered his passion for acting, and after participating in several school plays, he decided to drop out of MIT just one semester before graduation to pursue a career in the performing arts. His decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his life as it led him to an illustrious acting career.
From Theater to Film: James Woods’ Career Journey
James Woods began his professional acting career in the theater, appearing in a wide array of off-Broadway plays. It wasn’t until he had performed in nearly 40 stage productions that he was given the opportunity to perform on Broadway in 1970. His first Broadway show was Borstal Boy, followed by roles in The Trial of the Catonsville Nine, Moonchildren, and Finishing Touches.
While building his reputation in theater, Woods also made his transition into film and television. His big screen debut came in 1972 with The Visitors, followed by a supporting role in The Way We Were (1973). However, it was in 1978, when Woods appeared in the acclaimed miniseries Holocaust alongside Meryl Streep, that he truly gained widespread recognition. This breakthrough led to his starring role in The Onion Field (1979), where critics praised his intense performance and he received several award nominations.
Iconic Roles and Recognition
In the 1980s, James Woods’ career took off as he earned critical acclaim for his performances in high-profile films. One of his most notable roles came in 1984 when he starred in Once Upon a Time in America alongside Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 15-minute standing ovation. He continued his success with a powerful performance in Salvador (1986), a role that earned him another Oscar nomination.
Woods’ television career also flourished during this time, earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards: one in 1987 for his performance in the TV movie Promise and another in 1989 for My Name Is Bill W. The latter role solidified his versatility as an actor. To top off a decade of success, Woods hosted Saturday Night Live in 1989, further showcasing his range as a performer.
The 1990s: A Decade of Legendary Roles
The 1990s proved to be another successful decade for James Woods, with some of his most iconic roles coming during this period. He joined forces with Robert De Niro once again in Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995), a film that received widespread acclaim. In 1997, Woods lent his voice to the character of Hades in Disney’s animated Hercules, a role that further cemented his place in pop culture. His voice work continued in the Kingdom Hearts video games, and he reprised his role as Hades in the television spin-off of Hercules.
As the decade drew to a close, Woods appeared in Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides (1999), showcasing his ability to tackle a variety of genres. Throughout the 2000s, Woods kept busy with voice work in animated films, television shows, and video games. He also took on a recurring role in the legal drama Shark (2006-2008), where he played a sharp-witted lawyer.
Personal Life and Relationships
James Woods’ personal life has been marked by a series of high-profile relationships and marriages. He married costume designer Kathryn Morrison-Pahoa in 1980, but the couple divorced after just three years. In 1989, he married equestrian Sarah Owens, who was 16 years his junior, but their marriage also ended in divorce after four months.
In 2005, Woods began a relationship with Ashley Madison, a 19-year-old woman who was reportedly the daughter of one of his golfing buddies. The couple parted ways in 2013, after several years together.
Controversial Lawsuit with Sean Young
In a notable chapter of his personal life, James Woods was involved in a legal dispute with actress Sean Young. Woods accused Young of stalking him, while she countered that he was seeking revenge after she rejected his romantic advances. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with Young receiving $227,000 to cover her legal fees. This highly publicized lawsuit was just one of the many controversies Woods faced throughout his career.
Political Views and Controversies
James Woods has been open about his political views, which have evolved over time. Originally a Democrat, Woods became an Independent after Bill Clinton’s impeachment. He later switched to the Republican Party, supporting President Donald Trump. In 2018, Woods claimed that he was dropped by his talent agency due to his right-wing political views. He also voiced his belief that many entertainers are afraid to publicly support Trump because of potential blacklisting in Hollywood.
Woods regularly shares his controversial political views on Twitter, where he has over 2 million followers. Some of his more polarizi
ng opinions have included criticism of liberal figures like Bernie Sanders and controversial comments about George Soros.
Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2017, actress Amber Tamblyn accused James Woods of attempting to seduce her and a friend when they were both 16 years old. According to Tamblyn, Woods invited the girls to Las Vegas and continued his advances despite their objections about their age. Woods vehemently denied these allegations, and the matter was never legally pursued.
James Woods’ Real Estate Portfolio
In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Woods has invested in real estate over the years. He owns several properties in Rhode Island and has made various property purchases in California. In 2018, he listed one of his lakefront homes for sale at $1.4 million. He also acquired properties in the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, and Pacific Palisades, including a $2.25 million home in Beverly Hills in 2015.
In 2017, Woods purchased another home in Beverly Hills for $2.1 million, which he sold for $2.35 million the following year. Despite his real estate success, Woods faced significant financial setbacks in 2025 when his primary home in the Pacific Palisades was severely damaged in a fire. James later revealed that he had been dropped from his fire insurance coverage just months before the incident.
James Woods’ career has spanned several decades, and his performances have left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Known for his intense roles, both on-screen and in voice work, he has amassed a diverse portfolio of films and TV appearances. Despite facing personal and professional controversies, Woods remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, celebrated for his acting talent and outspoken views. His net worth of $6 million is a testament to his success and longevity in the entertainment world.
