Profile
Name: Woodrow Tracy Harrelson
Occupation: Actor
Birthplace: Midland, Texas, USA
Woody Harrelson’s performance in the 1985 series Cheers, not only acquired two Academy Award nominations but he also walked away with an Emmy Award. His career was propelled into the spotlight after starring as Larry Flint in The People vs. Larry Flint (1996) and after that, he became well-known for roles such as Indecent Proposal (1993) and the film adaptation of The Hunger Games (2012).
He has a long list of accolades to his name but many are more fascinated by the real character behind Woody Harrelson, rather than the many faces of his fictional characters.
Although he may seem like a bold character now, he didn’t always get on so well with school. There were times during his childhood when he lacked confidence and was led to believe he wasn’t “normal”. This was due to his diagnosis of dyslexia and a misunderstanding amongst schools he attended. His behaviour was often seen as unruly and uncontrollable, which led to him being put on the central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin.
Having been excluded from at least three schools before he’d even entered the first grade, finally being placed in a school for children with learning disabilities brought some salvation. Strangely, Men’s Journal reported the experience positively “[Harrelson] loved the place. Finally, he wasn’t the only one with issues. And the teachers genuinely cared.”
Outside of acting, Harrelson is also a passionate environmental activist. He is said to have once scaled the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with members of North Coast Earth First! group to unfurl a banner in support for the plight of ancient redwoods.
Harrelson has also explored other areas and directed his own play, Furthest from the Sun in 1999.
Find out more about woody Harrelson’s movie and acting career here.
This content was written for The Codpast which is an online publication for people with dyslexia. Get more updates on this great cause by following them on Facebook or Twitter.
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