James Howard Woods (born April 18, 1947) is an American actor. He is known for starring in films such as Once Upon a Time in America, Salvador, Nixon, Ghosts of Mississippi, Casino, and Hercules, as well as in the television legal drama Shark. He has won two Emmy Awards, and earned two Academy Award nominations.
Did you know that James Woods achieved perfect scores on both the math and verbal sections of the SAT, leading him to study political science at MIT?
James Woods' raw and intense portrayal of photojournalist Richard Boyle in Oliver Stone's 1986 film 'Salvador' is widely considered his breakthrough and most defining performance, earning him his first Academy Award nomination. This role cemented his reputation for playing complex, morally ambiguous, and often volatile characters with unparalleled intensity.
James Woods' legacy is defined by his intense, often volatile character portrayals and distinctive voice work, leaving an indelible mark on both live-action and animated cinema. He is remembered for bringing a unique blend of intelligence and unpredictability to a wide range of roles.
Also known as: J. Woods, Jam Woods