From Newspaper Seller to Star: How Woody Harrelson Achieved Success

In life, we don’t often give ourselves enough credit for the things we actually can do. On the other hand, our past doesn’t have to determine who we will become, nor interfere with our dreams and achievements, and Woody Harrelson is living proof of that. In fact, the actor has proven himself to be one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, but his early life has been anything but typical.

He was troublesome at school and got kicked out many times.

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson was born in Midland, Texas, in 1961. His mother was a secretary, and he had a controversial father who abandoned the family when Woody was only 7. However, the actor describes him as “quite a charming fellow,” “a great storyteller” with an “incredible intellect,” but who, unfortunately, went down the wrong path in life.

Since his father abandoned the family, he started acting out to the point of getting kicked out of nursery school and then out of first grade. Harrison then became a wild child who never shied away from trouble and has been busted more than a few times. However, his troubles really began as an adult when he was 21 years old, and was arrested for the first time. The incident also made him change his mind about his initial dream of becoming a cop.

He was poor and anonymous until the age of 23.

Since his father was not around when he was a young boy, Woody had to learn how to be resourceful with money to overcome his unfortunate financial situation. As his first job, he bought newspapers in bulk and sold them around the neighborhood.

Until he was 23 years old, Woody was poor and anonymous. He took just about any job he could get, like waiting tables and posting gym flyers around local cafes. Until 1985, when he finally aced the audition for Cheers, making the show his first major gig and his first step on the journey to success. After the popular show, the young actor’s fame grew with his second role in White Men Can’t Jump.

He opened up about his feelings to his assistant by writing her a song.

When Harrelson was 28, despite never being in a relationship before, he decided to follow through on what he was feeling for his assistant Laura Louie. He opened up to her about his feelings by writing her a song, which marked the beginning of a great relationship, and the 2 have been inseparable ever since.

He had a lot of anger and rage.

Harrelson admitted to having been unhappy and having a lot of anger and rage. He also stated that it took him a lot of time to reflect upon his behavior and lifestyle. In fact, his loving wife, Laura Louie, whom he describes as “the kindest person” he’s ever known, and their 3 daughters are probably what made him soften and become the person he is today.

Today, he is a changed person and an advocate for many causes.

The Zombieland actor has changed, and this happened pretty late in his life. The superstar has been on the screen for over 35 years, and his career always seems to be ascending. Today the wild-child looking for trouble is more reliable than ever, and he’s also a passionate advocate for many different causes.

BONUS: Harrelson with Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, an adaptation of the first book in Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy, starring Elizabeth Banks, Harrelson, and Jennifer Lawrence, caught the attention of young fans around the world. The movie is set in a dystopian future in which teenagers are forced to battle for their lives.

Harrelson played former Games champion Haymitch Abernathy, who is a mentor for the 2 characters going into the Games. In some ways, he’s a little bit jaded, but under all that, he is a wonderful person.

Do you believe that hardship is what shaped Harrelson into a superstar or is acting an innate talent? We’d love for you to share your opinion in the comment section below.