Net Worth Ranker
What Is James Woods’ Net Worth?
James Woods, the celebrated American actor known for his intense performances and versatile career, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $6 million. This financial standing is a result of his decades-long presence in the entertainment industry, spanning theater, film, television, and voice acting.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born James Howard Woods on April 18, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, James’s journey began far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. He spent his formative years in Warwick, Rhode Island, after his father’s passing in 1960. Despite initially pursuing a path in medicine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Woods’s passion for acting led him to abandon his studies just one semester shy of graduation. This pivotal decision set the stage for his ascent in the world of entertainment. James first started acting in off-Broadway plays, and it wasn’t until he had appeared in almost 40 stage productions that he was given the chance to appear on Broadway. That chance came with a performance of “Borstal Boy” in 1970.
Woods’s career gained momentum through numerous off-Broadway plays, eventually leading to his Broadway debut in “Borstal Boy” in 1970. His early film appearances included roles in “The Visitors” (1972) and “The Way We Were” (1973), gradually building his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor. His breakthrough role came with “The Onion Field” (1979), where his performance garnered critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination. This marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a prominent figure in the industry.
Peak Performance Years and Notable Works
The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of significant success for Woods. His role in “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), alongside Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, further solidified his standing in Hollywood. The film received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984, highlighting its impact and Woods’s contribution to its success. James followed up in 1986 with “Salvador.” Woods also received critical acclaim for his work in the miniseries “Holocaust,” solidifying his status as a versatile actor capable of handling complex and challenging roles.
In 1987, Woods earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the television film “Promise,” showcasing his talent in the television medium. He secured a second Emmy Award in 1989 for his starring role in “My Name Is Bill W.,” further cementing his reputation as a respected and accomplished actor. One of James Woods’ most famous roles came in the 90s, when he appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “Casino,” once again joining Robert De Niro. Another notable role of this decade came in 1995 with “Nixon.” His role as Hades in Disney’s “Hercules” (1997) showcased his talents as a voice actor, adding another dimension to his already diverse career. He reprised his role in the resulting television spin-off and continued to work as a voice actor in video games like “Kingdom Hearts.” His work on “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” provided him with recurring roles that added to his income and recognition.
Later Career and Continued Ventures
In the 2000s and beyond, Woods continued to work consistently in film, television, and voice acting. His role in the series “Shark” (2006-2008) demonstrated his ability to lead a television show, and he continued to take on roles in various independent films. He continued to work as a voice actor throughout the 2000s in a number of animated films, video games, and TV shows. In the mid-2000s, James booked a recurring role in the series “Shark.” To kick off the 2010s, he appeared in the film “Too Big to Fail.” In 2012, he booked a role in the series “Coma.” He also voiced himself in an episode of “Family Guy”, entitled “Griffin Family History”, in 2010.
Real Estate Holdings
James Woods’s real estate portfolio has seen significant activity over the years. In 1989, he purchased a home in Beverly Hills for $2.14 million. He listed this property for $8.75 million in October 1999, eventually selling it for a little more than $5 million in October 2002. A future owner tore his former mansion down and replaced it with a 13,600-square-foot mansion which subsequently sold in December 2018 for $41.5 million. Woods owns several properties in Rhode Island. In 2018, he listed one of his lakefront homes for sale for $1.4 million. In 2014, Woods purchased a property in the Hollywood Hills for $2.2 million. In 2018, the property was back on the market with a price tag of $2.55 million. In 2015, James acquired a property with a swimming pool in Beverly Hills for $2.25 million. In 2017, he bought a house in the Beverly Hills area for $2.1 million and sold this home in July 2018 for $2.35 million. Today, his primary Los Angeles residence is in the Pacific Palisades. His Palisades home was severely damaged in a 2025 fire.
Personal Life and Controversies
Woods’s personal life has also been a subject of public attention. His first marriage was to costume designer Kathryn Morrison-Pahoa in 1980, ending in divorce three years later. His subsequent marriage to Sarah Owens in 1989 lasted only four months. In 2005, James began dating a woman named Ashley Madison, who was 19 years old at the time. They broke up in 2013.
In 2017, actress Amber Tamblyn accused Woods of inappropriate behavior when she was 16 years old, allegations that Woods denied. Additionally, Woods was involved in a lawsuit with actress Sean Young, which was settled out of court with Young receiving $227,000 to cover her legal fees.
Political Views and Online Presence
Woods is known for his outspoken political views, which he frequently shares on Twitter. He has over 2 million followers and is known for expressing controversial opinions. In 2018, Woods claimed he was dropped by his talent agency due to his conservative political views. He frequently voices his political views on Twitter. He has over 2 million followers and is famous for putting forward controversial ideas and theories. He has called George Soros a Nazi collaborator and has criticized figures such as Bernie Sanders.
Net Worth Components and Summary
James Woods’s $6 million net worth is primarily derived from his acting career, encompassing film, television, theater, and voice acting roles. While specific contract details and income breakdowns are not publicly available, his consistent work in the entertainment industry over several decades has contributed to his financial standing. Real estate investments have also played a role in his overall net worth. While specific details about investment portfolios are not available, it can be inferred that his consistent presence in Hollywood has made his a recognizable and sought after actor.
