Net Worth Ranker
What Is Woody Harrelson Net Worth’ Net Worth
Woody Harrelson, a multifaceted American actor, playwright, and activist, has accumulated a net worth of $70 million. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his successful acting career, spanning television, film, and theatre. His iconic role as Woody Boyd on NBC’s “Cheers” significantly contributed to his early financial success. Harrelson appeared in 196 of the show’s 275 episodes between 1985 and 1993, earning him critical acclaim and a steady income.
Early Career and Television Success
Born Woodrow Tracy Harrelson on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, Woody’s early life was marked by modest means. His mother, Diane, worked as a secretary, while his father, Charles, had a troubled past. The family moved to Lebanon, Ohio, in 1973, where Woody graduated from Lebanon High School in 1979. He attended Hanover College, a Presbyterian college in Hanover, Indiana, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and English. During his college years, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors.
Harrelson’s breakthrough came with his role on “Cheers,” which began in the show’s fourth season. His portrayal of Woody Boyd, the naive but endearing bartender, captivated audiences and earned him widespread recognition. For his work on “Cheers”, Woody Harrelson secured five Primetime Emmy nominations and winning one in 1989. In addition to “Cheers,” Harrelson made notable appearances in other television shows. He played Grace’s boyfriend on seven episodes of “Will & Grace” in 2001, further expanding his television portfolio. In 2014, he starred in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “True Detective,” where he also served as an Executive Producer alongside co-star Matthew McConaughey. His involvement in “True Detective” not only showcased his acting prowess but also highlighted his skills as a producer, significantly boosting his career and income.
Beyond his regular roles, Harrelson has made guest appearances on shows such as “Dear John” and “Spin City.” He also portrayed Republican strategist Steve Schmidt in the HBO film “Game Change” in 2012, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. His appearances on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) further cemented his status as a comedic force. He hosted the show in 1989, 1992, 2014, and 2019, and made memorable special appearances as Joe Biden in 2019 episodes hosted by Will Ferrell and David Harbour. Hosting SNL episodes typically commands fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on the celebrity’s prominence and negotiation skills. These television engagements collectively contributed to Woody Harrelson net worth significantly.
Film Career and Notable Roles
Harrelson transitioned into film with his debut in the 1986 movie “Wildcats.” He subsequently appeared in a variety of films, including “Doc Hollywood” (1991), “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992), and “Indecent Proposal” (1993). His role as Larry Flynt in 1996’s “The People vs. Larry Flynt” earned him an Academy Award nomination, marking a significant milestone in his career. Harrelson has appeared in over 70 films, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor. Some of his most memorable roles include one-handed bowler Roy Munson in 1996’s “Kingpin,” Tallahassee in 2009’s “Zombieland,” and Haymitch Abernathy in the “Hunger Games” franchise.
The “Hunger Games” franchise, in particular, has been a major source of income for Harrelson. The first film, released in 2012, grossed over $691 million worldwide, while subsequent films also achieved blockbuster status. As a prominent character in the series, Harrelson likely earned substantial royalties and bonuses based on the films’ box office success. His performances in films such as 2007’s “No Country for Old Men” and 2018’s “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” earned him critical acclaim. Both films won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, further enhancing his reputation and marketability.
His role in “The People vs. Larry Flynt” earned Harrelson critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, significantly boosting his profile in Hollywood. The film grossed over $20 million domestically, contributing to his growing net worth. Another notable film, “No Country for Old Men,” grossed over $171 million worldwide. His role in this film not only earned him critical acclaim but also a share of the film’s profits. Harrelson’s film roles typically command salaries ranging from $5 million to $20 million, depending on the scale of the production and his role. Given his extensive filmography and continued success, these earnings have significantly contributed to Woody Harrelson net worth over the years.
Theatre Career and Playwriting
Harrelson began his theatre career as an understudy in the Neil Simon Theatre’s “Biloxi Blues” from 1985 to 1986. He starred as Jack in “The Boys Next Door” from 1987 to 1988 at Lamb’s Theatre. He also played Bill Starbuck in “The Rainmaker” from 1999 to 2000 at Brooks Atkinson Theatre and Shannon in “Night of the Iguana” from 2005 to 2006 at the Lyric Theatre. Woody also showcased his talents as a playwright and director. He wrote the play “Furthest from the Sun,” which he directed at the Theatre de la Jeune Lune in Minneapolis in 1999. He also directed his play “Bullet for Adolf” at Toronto’s Hart House Theatre for 2 weeks in 2011 and at Off-Broadway theatre New World Stages from July to September 2012.
His theatre work, while perhaps less financially lucrative than his film and television roles, has contributed to Woody Harrelson net worth through a different avenue by solidifying his reputation as a serious artist and expanding his creative portfolio. While specific financial figures from his theater productions are not publicly available, playwriting and directing can generate income through royalties and ticket sales, especially for successful Off-Broadway productions.
Real Estate Holdings
Woody Harrelson’s real estate portfolio contributes to his overall net worth. In 1989, during the height of his “Cheers” fame, he purchased a 3,200-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills for $1.8 million. As of today, this property is estimated to be worth between $5 million and $6 million, reflecting a significant appreciation in value. In 1999, Harrelson acquired a magnificent oceanfront property on the island of Maui in Hawaii, near the town of Hana, for $1.95 million. Three years later, he expanded his holdings by purchasing several neighboring properties, creating a stunning 8.5-acre estate. These acquisitions demonstrate his investment acumen and strategic approach to real estate.
Furthermore, in March 2014, Woody Harrelson paid $4.5 million for a hotel in Baltimore called the Inn at the Black Olive. This boutique hotel, known for its sustainable practices and upscale accommodations, represents a significant investment in the hospitality industry. While the specific financial performance of the Inn at the Black Olive is not publicly disclosed, owning and operating a successful hotel can generate substantial revenue through room rentals, dining services, and event hosting.
His real estate ventures demonstrate a keen eye for investment opportunities. The Beverly Hills mansion, purchased for $1.8 million in 1989, has likely appreciated to a value between $5 million and $6 million, providing a substantial return on investment. The Maui estate, encompassing 8.5 acres of prime oceanfront land, represents a significant asset in a highly desirable location. Properties in Hana, Maui, are known for their exclusivity and high property values. The Inn at the Black Olive, purchased for $4.5 million, adds to his diverse portfolio, potentially generating revenue through its operations.
Personal Life and Activism
Woody Harrelson’s personal life has also played a role in shaping his public image and influencing his career choices. He married Nancy Simon (playwright Neil Simon’s daughter) in 1985, a marriage that lasted only 10 months. In 2008, he married Laura Louie at their home in Maui. Woody met Laura in 1987 when she was his personal assistant on the set of “Cheers,” and in 2001, the couple started a website called “Voice Yourself,” which encourages people to protest pollution. Woody is a vegan, and PETA named him 2012’s Sexiest Vegetarian. He supports the legalization of marijuana and is passionate about environmental causes.
Harrelson’s commitment to environmental causes is evident through his various initiatives. He co-founded the website “Voice Yourself” with his wife, Laura Louie, to promote environmental activism and encourage people to take action against pollution. He is a well-known advocate for the legalization of marijuana, often speaking out in favor of its benefits and potential economic impact. His support for veganism and animal rights has further solidified his image as a socially conscious celebrity. These personal values influence his endorsements and collaborations, potentially affecting his income streams and investment choices. Harrelson is also an avid chess fan. He has attended the World Chess Championship, where he had the honor of making the ceremonial first move in 2016 and 2018.
Legal Issues and Public Image
Woody Harrelson has faced several legal issues throughout his career. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in 1982, for symbolically planting hemp seeds in 1996, and for damaging a taxi and running from police in 2002. In 2008, a TMZ photographer filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Woody, alleging that the actor had assaulted him and broken his camera; the case was dismissed after they reached a settlement in 2010. These incidents have undoubtedly impacted his public image to some extent, although he has managed to maintain a successful career despite them. While the financial details of the settlement with the TMZ photographer were not disclosed, legal settlements can sometimes involve significant payouts, affecting his net worth.
Awards and Honors
Harrelson’s role on “Cheers” earned him a 1987 American Comedy Award for Funniest Newcomer and a 1989 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 1993, Woody and “Indecent Proposal” co-star Demi Moore won an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss, and he won 4 awards for “The Messenger” in 2009, including an Independent Spirit Award and Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award. Harrelson also earned a San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Body of Work (for his work in “The Messenger,” “Zombieland,” and “2012”) in 2009 and an African American Film Critics Association Award for 2011’s “Rampart.” In 2014, Harrelson received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hanover College. These accolades have contributed to his reputation and marketability, positively impacting his earning potential and Woody Harrelson net worth.
